Tag: Mike Pelfrey

Delgado Hits Two As Mets Beat Braves 6-3

John Smoltz didn’t have it right from the start today. It was good to see the Mets finally get to jump all over a pitcher. He gave up four runs over four innings to take the loss. The Mets win 2 out of 3 in the series which is critical. They have to win these home series within the division if they expect to be playing in October.

Nelson Figueroa was okay again today going 5.1 innings and giving up three runs to get the win. He hasn’t showed me that he’s markedly better than Mike Pelfrey if a decision comes down to which one stays in the rotation when Pedro Martinez gets back.

The Mets again used five pitchers in the win. It’s worrying me that we’re not getting more depth from the starters. The guys from the bullpen are in there every day. Although today wasn’t the day for it, Willie needs to start thinking about stretching out the starters to give the guys in the bullpen a break. Billy Wagner locked the game down again in the ninth. He actually gave up a hit for the first time this year. But he’s looked better this season than at any time since he’s been with the Mets. He looks like a man on a mission and I like to see that. I wish everyone on the team played with the same intensity that he does.

Raul Casanova was 3 for 4 with a home run. He’s done a terrific job backing up Brian Schneider, and playing frequently since Schneider has been hurt. Luis Castillo was 3 for 5 and is inching his average back up. He’s hitting .284 now and doesn’t look “lost” at the plate like he did last week.

The story of the day has to be Carlos Delgado. He was 2 for 2 with two home runs and three runs scored. The fans called on him for a curtain call but he sat down in the dugout spurning the crowd. I don’t blame him at all. I’d probably do the same thing. Rightfully, he’s been scorched in the press and booed at Shea. I’ve let him have it myself.

The question is still valid about who Delgado is at this point in his career. He can’t be in a slump because it’s lasted for more than a season. Can he be a one trick pony hitting occasional home runs in bunches with a .200 average? I don’t know what to make of him. I’m sure the Mets management doesn’t either.

Box score

Video Highlights

On Deck: Sunday April 27, 2008

Atlanta Braves (12-12) at New York Mets (12-11)    1:10pm

John Smoltz (3-1) vs. Nelson Figueroa (1-1)

TV: CW11 Radio: WFAN

What to watch: There’s supposed to be some rain today. We’ll see if they’re able to get the game in or not. What can you say about Smoltz? The guy’s been doing it forever and dominant as a starter and closer. He’s still bringing the heat at 40. Figueroa could position himself pretty well to stay in the rotation when Pedro Martinez gets back. Mike Pelfrey hasn’t looked that great, and one of them will be out of the rotation. Hopefully, the Mets can take the rubber game of the series today.

Pelfrey, Mets Lose To Braves 6-3

It took me a while to work up to writing this post game recap. It’s starting to feel like a continuation of the way last season ended. The Mets are now 1-5 in their last six games. It’s only April so it’s not like the season is lost at all. The Mets are still at .500. But something is very wrong with this team.

What bothers me is how ugly their losses are. The Atlanta Braves shouldn’t be hammering this team. If you look at the Braves and Mets on paper, the Mets are just a better team. The Braves swept the Mets in a short series earlier this month and came to town with their best starters lined up for this weekend’s series.

The Mets offense (what offense?) only mustered two hits against Braves starter Jair Jurrgens. Jurrgens walked three runs in during the third innings and threw over 40 pitches. Then he went on to retire 10 consecutive batters.

Kelly Johnson homered off Mike Pelfrey in the sixth which brought back bad memories of his pinch hit grand slam in the last series. Pelfrey was pretty bad tonight giving up five runs over 5.1 innings. He didn’t have good control all night walking four and giving up nine hits.

There isn’t much good to report about this game. Nobody was hitting and Pelfrey didn’t give the Mets a chance.

Box score

Video Highlights

On Deck: Friday April 25, 2008

Atlanta Braves (11-11) at New York Mets (11-10)      7:10pm

Jair Jurrgens (2-2) vs. Mike Pelfrey (2-0)

TV: SNY   Radio: WFAN

What to watch: Jurrgens was obtained from the Tigers this offseason for Edgar Renteria. The Braves have big expectations for this pitcher from the Netherlands. Mike Pelfrey is in a battle with Nelson Figueroa for which pitcher stays in the rotation when Pedro Martinez gets back. Pelfrey’s last start in Philadelphia wasn’t very good only going five innings and giving up four runs on ten hits and two walks.

Phillies, Utley Take Third Game 5-4

Chase Utley hit two homers off Mike Pelfrey and had four RBI’s. Pelfrey was just terrible pitching five innings and giving up 10 hits, two walks and four earned runs. Pedro Feliciano wasn’t much better in the seventh giving up two hits a walk and a run in .2 innings.

Jose Reyes 2 for 5 and David Wright 2 for 3 continued their hot hitting but it wasn’t enough to overcome Pelfrey’s poor start. The Mets had two men on base in the ninth against Brad Lidge but Luis Castillo couldn’t get a bunt down, Wright popped out, and Beltran hit a hard grounder up the middle that Eric Bruntlett made a great diving play on.

The Mets still took two out of three in the series so as long as they keep winning series they’ll be fine. They fly to Chicago tonight to play to against the Cubs.

Box score 

On Deck: Sunday April 20,2008

New York Mets (10-6) at Philadelphia Phillies (8-10)   8:05pm

TV: ESPN Radio: WFAN

Mike Pelfrey (2-0) vs. Adam Eaton (0-0)

What to watch: The Mets go for the sweep tonight in Philly. There isn’t much that would be sweeter than sweeping the Phillies in their own ballpark on national TV. Mike Pelfrey pitched a terrific game in his last start Tuesday against the Nationals. Jimmy Rollins is still limited to pinch hitting duty for the Phillies. They’re such a different team when he’s in the lineup. He’s missed ten games now, we’ll see if he tries to come back from his ankle injury tonight.