Busy day here in South Florida. In addition to a long list of injury updates, Pedro Martinez rolled in this afternoon to say hi and see if his No. 45 still fits. As usual, the visitors clubhouse took on a circus-like atmosphere, with Martinez laughing and joking as he shook everyone's hand, from the reporters to the players and a hug with manager Willie Randolph.
The two most noticeable things about Martinez? He looks bigger and stronger since we last saw him in spring training. And unlike the rest of the Mets, he has a full head of bushy hair. But with his return still scheduled for August, Martinez insists he's not getting a buzzcut this weekend.
"Everyone shaved their heads," Martinez said. "I'm glad I'm away from here."
Martinez joked that the pitching coach would have to go first, but he knows full well there is no way Rick Peterson is sacrificing his mullett for team unity. He also made an interesting remark about Roger Clemens' return to the Yankees. Martinez said he watched Clemens pitch for Double-A Trenton this week and added, "Without a doubt, I can do that now," Martinez said."The Roger that I knew, that's not him."
Martinez may be rehabilitating, but he clearly hasn't lost his fastball when it comes to interviews.
On the injury front, GM Omar Minaya said he expects Jose Valentin (torn ACL) to return in the next week or two. "He's coming along very well," Minaya said.
Comments (11)
I love pedro, but where are the minor league flame throwers? Are there any pitching prospects that have an ERA under 2? Come on we can't be depending on on a near 40 pitcher to be the answer. Especially on that has repeadetly acknoledged that he is uncertain wher his future lies.
I love pedro, but where are the minor league flame throwers? Are there any pitching prospects that have an ERA under 2? Come on we can't be depending on on a near 40 pitcher to be the answer. Especially on that has repeadetly acknoledged that he is uncertain wher his future lies.
Break out the clippers.
And believe me,
those of us who have to look
at Pedro's hairdoo
will be glad when the bird's nest comes off.
geez..
Tony, I'm not sure I follow. Are you saying the Mets need to find a top pitching prospect and acquire him? There's no way anyone's giving up a Clayton Kershaw or Homer Bailey for anything the Mets are offering. As for the Mets' own prospects, Pelfrey's the best, and you saw what he did. Guerra's still a few years away.
I think there are also a lot of 35 year-olds out there who would disagree with your classification of Pedro as "near 40."
dear seth, tony :
do the mets really need Pedro Martinez,
do the mets need a project starter like Kershaw or Bailey?
Remember they have lights out pitching as it is.
They also have El Duque returning shortly.
Question is where will they pitch at all. The fifth spot?
The rotation is not an issue.
Neither is depth.
Ugh.. I'm sorry, but it's well beyond time we have to admit that Heilman sucks ass this year. Either he's hurt, or Molina is still in his head, but they guy is stinking up the joint with regularity, and he cost Smith a chance at the win now.
Listen Ted, Heilman 2007:
4-2 3.15 era
20 IP
15 Hits
4 walks
11 Strikeouts
April Numbers:
He had one bad game against ATL 4/8.
Remove that game and his numbers are:
7.2 Innings Pitched
6 Hits
1 Earned Run
2 Walks
4 Strikeouts
Total 1-1 1.25 Era
May Numbers:
He had one bad game against
MIL 5/11.
Remove that game and his
numbers are:
10 Innings pitched
4 Hits
2 Earned Runs
1 Walk
5 Strikeouts
Total 3-0 1.80 Era
So basically not including tonight, other than two appearances out of twenty? he has been throwing strikes and brilliant.
His numbers in the combined 18 appearances:
17.2 Innings Pitched
10 Hits
3 Earned Runs
3 Walks
9 Strikeouts
Total 3-1 1.57 Era
That is pretty good.
You want Ambiorizzz Burgos?
The '06 NLCS is over bro , let it go.
Heiman has produced and these are not garbage innings. This is the 8th inning and with a game usually on the balance.
He is still learning as well. I believe he can be even better, maybe even a closer one day.
Up until tonights game (which the mets won without any fisticuffs) Heilman has thrown a total of 301 pitches. Of those pitches 203 are strikes. That is right on the target, that is real. No Doug Sisk here. Hell, no Billy Wagner (sometimes) here.
Mets are on a pace to go,
104-58
I think they might win a lot more too.
Based on their depth
and the resources to pull
off a deal if they need it.
I have a feeling that in two weeks,
if Valentin is not cleared to play, you may see a deal for a second baseman.
It is possible.
Anyone who reads this blog with any regularity knows I only post in the morning, and maybe early afternoon. WHoever you are, you're entitled to your opinion on Heilman, but make up your own name to do it.