55 hours to first pitch
Getting anxious? The Mets still have some fine-tuning to do with their roster, and the Civil Rights Game left to play today in Memphis (5 p.m., ESPN), but the 2008 season is nearly upon us. I handled a couple of the remaining issues in today's Newsday, and at the top of that list is the fifth starter's job.
Judging by the results, Orlando Hernandez definitely looked better yesterday than Mike Pelfrey -- and how about the leg kick? But this is likely to be a situation where the Mets leave El Duque in Florida to build arm strength. He's only had two Grapefruit League starts and, in their thinking, would benefit from two more while on the disabled list. That would make it Pelfrey's job by default.
Everyone cool off yet about the whole Ruben Gotay fiasco? I'm getting the sense here that Gotay became a huge fan favorite for his performance last season. But he just didn't fit on this year's Opening Day roster because of his weak hitting from the right side and the Mets didn't consider him a suitable backup at shortstop. If anything happens to Jose Reyes (knock on wood) the call will go to Anderson Hernandez at Triple-A New Orleans.
Enjoy this afternoon's game on ESPN, but remember: after today, they all count.
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Comments (6)
I don't get the Mets love affair with AHern.
This guy has an amazing glove, but can't his a lick.
Where's Jeff Keppinger when you need him...oh...wait...
The only reason AH is around is because they can option him to AAA again this year. Next spring AH will be out of options and likely let go if he doesnt clear waivers.
I'm curious what Jorge Sosa did yesterday in the sim or minor league game that he was in. Could they DL Duque, send Pelfrey to AAA, and use Sosa for a start or two knowing he can only go 5-6 innings?
I am upset that dreck like Fernando Tatis was handed a spot because he's Omar's much like garbage like Franco and Lima was.
The only part I didn't like about the Gotay move is that he ended up with the Braves. Now I know the Mets didn't really have any control over that, but I can just see him coming back to haunt us at some point this season.
As much as Gotay hustled, the Mets needed a right-handed bat on the bench.
Gotay could have been kept by sending Pagan to AAA. Then you get to keep everyone. There are plenty of guys to cover all positions and 2-3 PH's from each side of the plate.
Nate, Pagan's going to start in left field...Why would the send him down?