Who's No. 5?
Well, the Mets still aren't saying, which means that Orlando Hernandez has to somehow convince them he's capable of the fifth starter's job in the next two weeks. Today's simulated game was inconclusive. Hernandez topped out at 81 mph -- no joke -- and the majority of his 80 pitches floated by hitters in the mid-70s. The Mets keep saying velocity doesn't matter, but in this range, it has to be a concern. Even general manager Omar Minaya was non-committal in speaking with reporters afterward.
"There are certain things we are seeing some progress in," Minaya said. "Other things we'll have to see. I think he's improved since the last time we saw him."
Minaya did say that Hernandez is a starter, so there are no current plans for him to begin the season in the bullpen, even if manager Willie Randolph refused to name him the No. 5 over Mike Pelfrey yesterday. As of right now, El Duque is pencilled in to start Sunday's game against the Cardinals at Tradition Field, so that should be an indication of something. With Hernandez, you just never know what.
On the injury front, both Brian Schneider and Ramon Castro played in the simulated game. Schneider had a double and home run off Mike Pelfrey, but may need another day of running the bases before he returns to the lineup. Castro said he felt OK, but could miss up to a week waiting for his hamstring to completely heal.
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Comments (10)
David Wright.
Jose Lima.
Maybe if Pelfrey was pitching better the Mets would be more inclined to make a firm decision. As it is, both Duque and Pelfrey have until the second week of the regular season to convince Minaya and Randolph. If Pelfrey does not distinguish himself and Duque at least proves he's healthy, we'll see Duque start a game before we see Pelfrey.
Cho Han Park
Anthony Young.
Joe Musgo: agree
I know it's a closed issue, but maybe give Heilman a shot. it worked well for St Louis givng Looper a shot. If Sanchez is back, we might be able to lose Heilman as a reliever.
But, I know that door is closed. Probably not enough time in camp to get him ready anyway.
Frank,
The other problem with taking Heilman out of the bullpen is that there's no one else ready to replace him there. Duaner Sanchez doesn't look like he'll be ready to pitch back-to-back days when the season starts, so that's already leaving the bullpen a little thin, don't you think?
Hey David - Shanghai surprise. Send me an email when you get a chance.
Sosa hasn't given up a run all Spring, and had some fine starts in the first half of '07.
If Duque needs more time, and Pelfrey needs more AAA, give Jorge a shot dfor 2-3 times around the rotation.