Interesting start tonight for Mike Pelfrey. Ever since the Mets named him the No. 5 starter back on March 25, the former first round pick has been in a little bit of a slide. The Devil Rays hammered Pelfrey for 10 hits and eight runs over four innings on March 31 at Tropicana Field, and he stayed behind in Florida to wait two weeks for his turn in the rotation.
Last Saturday, pitching for Class A St. Lucie, Pelfrey allowed five hits and three runs -- two earned -- in six innings. He also surrendered a home run and nailed two batters. That was against Vero Beach, and the Nationals presumably will be a step up, if not much. Any predictions for tonight?
In minor-league news, it looks like Fernando Martinez is on the fast track. The 18-year-old outfielder already seems comfortable at Double-A Binghamton and it appears the Mets' dream outfield of Martinez, Carlos Gomez and Carlos Beltran is on schedule for Opening Day 2009 at Citi Field. It is important to note, however, that Lastings Milledge is now being mentioned in that group by team officials. That wasn't happening a month ago.
Comments (6)
I have an idea. Bare with me, because it may be a little outlandish. Can we convert one of our 3 outfielder prospects (Milledge, Martinez, and Gomez) to another position, possibly 1B? I realize their may be some wasted potential, but I don't see Delgado surviving in the NL much longer before he leaves for warmer weather and a permanent DH spot in the AL. I realize we're high on Carp, but we know how deceitful the Spring can be--look at Shawn Green.
If not a positional change, when do you think the optimum time is to put one of our prospects on the trading block? I know Milledge's stock dropped after last year's performance. Do we wait to see if once of them is a flop and keep them all as insurance...or do we deal early and young, risking another Kazmir episode?
The problem with Kazmir is not that he was dealt- It was more like who he was dealt for....If you recall, prior to the season starting, he was mentioned in trade talks with Soriano. That would have been a far more palpable deal than what actually transipired.
Continuing that thought, it would be perfectly acceptable for one of the young guys to be traded, as long as the deal yields a solid young pitcher. That being said, I think there would be outcry if Fernando was dealt, just given the hype surrounding him, and his young age.
If there was one to trade, I'd go with Gomez..He is certainly impressive, but also very raw (not that Reyes was any different at the time). But, he is already the same age as Milledge, who is more advanced and has enjoyed more success than Gomez.
But again, it all depends on who comes back to us.
the bottom line is, we have 3 potential studs waiting in the wings. If the right deal comes along that we can't say no to, then one gets dealt, if not, whoever pans out is playing. Mike Carp is making a case to take over for delgado when he leaves, so I'm not rushing to move one of those guys...maybe we even keep one as a 4th OF/1B. All I know is that this is a much better problem to discuss then "is Derek Bell the answer in right?"
People, how often do you have "three" jewels in the minors...that all become great players. That usually won't happen. Surely not when you are considering position players.
Case in point: all spring I heard people yapping about Alex Gordon this and Alex Gordon that.
Well, last I checked he was batting around .100.
That is the weight of the Olsen twins.
Not everything plays out like a fantasy league game.
If we are lucky, one of our young outfielders will contribute in 2009.
Maybe, we will see...
I agree with your premise, but good lord, Alex Gordon is ready to be pronounced dead? That is an extreme, knee jerk judgement. You have to give players time. Dave Pinto called last season make or break for Jose Reyes, and I considered that a quick trigger. Maybe Gordon gets 100 ab's before we throw dirt on him?
Mets Win again, one more win away from winning three series for the season.
Schoenewies has 4 holds already, and an Era of 0.00.
Reyes adding to his MVP numbers with stolen base (6)
and two more runs scored.
Also, Brett Myers, Philadelphia:
15.1 innings pitched
16 earned runs
5 HOME RUNS ALLOWED
9 walks
19 strikeouts
0-2 with a 9.39 ERA
good thing they are the team to beat........