JOHAN SANTANA BY THE NUMBERS: 4-2 record, 3.03 ERA, 3-1 strikeout to walk ratio, 10 less hits than innings pitched, 1.12 WHIP (walks + hits per innings pitched) and opponents are hitting only .229 against him.
What's more? Johan has pitched at least six innings in 9 of his 11 starts this year. Even better? Since his drubbing in Philadelphia, he has pitched 7 or more innings in all of his last 5 starts.
The downside? The Mets are only 6-5 in games he has pitched this year - a number that is in large part due to an inept offense that seems to take vacation days when the lefty is on the mound.
***My take? Aside from one bad inning against Washington and one horrendous inning against Philadelphia, (Jerry couldn't tell it was time to take him out?....) Johan has been everything we could ask for this year. My worry is that with only 4 wins to show for it, how long until frustration boils over?
MIKE PELFREY BY THE NUMBERS: 7-1 record, 2.54 ERA, 6 less hits than innings pitched, nearly 2-1 strikeout to walk ratio, 1.30 WHIP, just 3 home runs allowed, projected 22-3 record. Oh, and a save.
What's more? The Mets are 8-2 in his starts.
The downside? I don't see any. Some will say that he can't keep up what he's done so far. Well, why exactly is that?
*** My take? This is our ace of the future. He and Johan are a very dangerous 1-2 punch that provide hope for meaningful baseball late into the season. He has been the stopper all year long. Look no further than the game at Turner Field against Atlanta to know exactly what this guy is all about.
HISANORI TAKAHASHI BY THE NUMBERS:4-1 record, 2.13 ERA, 6 less hits than innings pitched, 3-1 strikeout to walk ratio, just one home run allowed in 38 innings, 6 more strikeouts than innings pitched, 1.24 WHIP.
What's more? Since filling the starter's role Hisanori has done ok. Just 6 shut out innings against the Yankees. 6 more against the Phillies. He's doing alright.
The downside? Nobody can keep a 0.00 ERA going forever. Is that a downside?
***My take? This guy is no rookie - he's to the contrary, a seasoned veteran of the Japanese League. He is a wonderful third starter for the Mets who has been an MVP of this team in his long relief role and now in the starting rotation. Remember all of those times he saved Oliver Perez and John Maine? I do.
R.A. DICKEY BY THE NUMBERS:3 starts, 2-0 record, 2.84 ERA.
What's more? Dickey shut out Philadelphia in the 27 Zero drubbing of Philadelphia. He won a road game for the Mets yesterday - that's big.
The downside? A knuckleballer is the most unpredictable type of pitcher in baseball. Who knows how long his success will last.
***My take? He has been a pleasant surprise and deserves the #4 spot in the rotation - for now.
JONATHON NIESE BY THE NUMBERS:8 starts, 1-2 record, 4.79 ERA, 2-1 strikeout to walk ratio, 15 more hits than innings pitched.
What's more? Niese is due to return from the DL very shortly.
The downside? He is somewhat of an unknown commodity.
***My take? The Mets are 4-4 in his starts. He is a young lefty with talent. They could do a whole lot worse for a fifth starter (cough, cough, Oliver Perez.)
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Let's not forget that today is Memorial Day. Let's also not forget what this day is all about. Regardless of political belief or anything else, today is a day to remember those who have served our country honorably. Thank you for everything you have done.
- Tom Greenhalgh (5/31/10)
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