So I’ve decided to do a series where I review a few positions every day, and write a review. So, without further ado, here is part 1, pitching.
Last year pitching was our weakness. There is no denying it. We had 4 great pitchers, but all of them had a lot of inconsistency. For example, Oliver Perez, who ended the year 15-10 with an ERA of 3.56, had some great games, but then also fell into the pits not lasting an inning. This was the story of the 2007 New York Mets pitching.
Our Starters from Last Year
1. Tom Glavine
Tom Glavine was our number 1 starter, and he showed that to us all year long. Although his stats may not show it (he was 13-8, with an ERA just below 5), his leadership, on and off the field, really showed. He helped out our young prospect Mike Pelfrey. However, unlike what he showed for most of the season- he collapsed on the last day of the season, finishing off, what is now called, one of the worst chokes in baseball history. That is why he left the team, and I don’t blame him. I was planning to boo him on opening day, and I am sure many others were. Although he brought a lot to our team, his time with this team was up, and I’m glad he will end up with the Braves, so we will be able to score 10 runs off of him, paying him back.
2. Orlando “El Duque” Hernandez
Injury prone. Too many injuries. Yep, that just about sums it up. Clutch, plays well when you need him, but he is not there for your team when you need him to start, cause he has arthritis in his neck. He is projected to start once again for the Mets this year. He definitely needs to step it up, as far as trying as hard as he can to stay healthy, and do the best he can to fill in for Tom Glavine, the ace of last year.
3. John Maine
Although he wasn’t our number 1 starter last year, he was our ace. He dominated in the 1st half, putting up amazing all-star numbers, but ended the season poorly, after being snagged of an all-star team spot, which was much deserved by her. Maine, who was just considered a throw in from the Kris Benson trade just a few years ago, has now found his way to the top of our staff (he is most likely going to be our #1 starter this year), as the most respected pitcher on the staff.
4. Oliver Perez
He finished the year 5-10 with an ERA of 3.56, and had some amazing starts. Originally acquired in 2006, Perez was 3-13 combined, with the Mets and Pirates, but this year was revolutionary. Although he was on and off, all year, he was amazing, having games with over 7 or 8 strikeouts many times. He started off the year very well, with only one bad start, and as all of our other pitchers, sort of went into a slump. However, he still played very well throughout the year, and I look forward to seeing him blossom as a player.
5. Pedro Martinez/Mike Pelfrey/ Brian Lawrence
Mike Pelfrey was awful. Litterally terrible. It was a complete embarrassment when he stepped up to the mound. He ended the season at 3-8, with a 5.57 ERA. He lost his first 7 games, so closed off his short stints with the mets pretty strongly, and showing some promise.
Pedro Martinez, obviously, was out for the first 4 or 5 months, and ended up returning to the team, after a month of rehabilitation, joined the team, and pitched well- ending up with a record of 3-1, and an ERA of 2.57. He should join the team in the beginning of this year at full force, hopefully in his ace mode.
Brian Lawrence, who played 3/4, if not more, of his season at AAA New Orleans. He was called up at last minute-situations, but did well, for that job.
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Predicted Starting Rotation
1. Pedro Martinez
2. John Maine
3. Orlando Hernandez
4. Oliver Perez
5. Mike Pelfrey
Other Pitchers Who Will Be In and Out
1. Phil Humber
2. Kevin Mulvey
To me, this is much improved from last year… especially with Pedro back as our number 1. I’m excited for this year, and I think that theAAA backups will be good also.
Let’s Go Mets!
Coming Tomorrow- Mets Bullpen
marcut Pitching
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