Tag: Nelson Figueroa

Nelson Figueroa Retro Prospect Report

The Hardball Times linked to this interesting retrospective prospect report from John Sickels at the Minor League Ball blog.

It makes for interesting reading to see how Figueroa did in the minors and worked his way up to the majors. I have to agree with Sickels’ assessment that Figueroa doesn’t have the “stuff” that would make him a prototypical prospect for a pitcher. But he does have a fight in him and the ability to work through trouble without wilting under pressure.

Going forward I’d like to see Figueroa take Jorge Sosa’s spot as the swingman on the team. When Matt Wise gets back someone in the bullpen will have to go. In addition, Pedro Martinez should return to the rotation at some point. Aaron Heilman isn’t going anywhere despite his many poor performances in April. Joe Smith may go to the minors but I like what he brings as a righty specialist. My feeling is that Sosa should be the odd man out. The Mets would most likely have to release him but he’s “only” making $2 million this season on a one year contract.

Pirates Drub Mets 13-1

Oliver Perez had one of his occasional terrible starts only going 1.2 innings giving up seven runs but only two were earned. The defense was horrible with errors by David Wright, Luis Castillo, and Angel Pagan.

Nelson Figueroa did a nice job of eating some innings in a bad game. He just pitched on Sunday but came in to throw 3.1 innings giving up one run.

This was just one of those bad, bad games that can happen on once in a while. I wouldn’t take too much from it. It’s over and the Mets have a day off tomorrow before leaving for their West coast swing.

Box score

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.

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.

On Deck: Tuesday April 22, 2008

New York Mets (10-8) at Chicago Cubs (13-6) 2:20pm

Nelson Figueroa (1-0) vs. Ted Lilly (0-3)

TV: SNY Radio: WFAN

What to watch: The Mets really need to take this game. Even though it’s a short two game series they don’t want to get swept in Chicago. Getting out of town with a split would be just fine. Figueroa has looked pretty good for a guy off the street and out of U.S. baseball recently. Ted Lilly has been awful this season. Hopefully, that’s a recipe for a Mets win.

Easley’s Run Completes Sweep of Nats

Damion Easley scored on a wild pitch in the bottom of the 14th inning to win a 4 hour and 45 minute game. Jorge Sosa got the win pitching the last two innings for the Mets. The final score was 3-2.

It looked like Nelson Figueroa might take the loss despite pitching another excellent game. He went seven innings giving up only two runs. Ronnie Belliard made an error in the eighth inning and Carlos Delgado made the Nationals pay for it with a bloop single to right field that tied the game and forced extra innings.

Nationals pitcher John Lannan, from Long Island, was terrific pitching 6 innings giving up only one run with 11 strikeouts and no walks.

Carlos Beltran didn’t play due to having a stiff neck.

Box score

ESPN Video Highlights