One/Third Report: Starting Rotation

An explanation of the ratings system - This is an inexact science that is based largely on visible performance as opposed to statistics. This does not mean that I ignore players statistics, but instead I weigh more heavily the importance and the way in which these statistics are attained (i.e. clutchness, value.) I am grading the players on the New York Mets based on what they bring to THIS TEAM ONLY. This is not a comparison to the rest of MLB and players are not weighted against others at their position. Instead, this is a reflection on how much they have helped or hurt the New York Mets only. This is an evaluation of the entire first 1/3 of the season. A = outstanding B = very good C = average D = below expectations F = absolute bust.

JOHAN SANTANA (A-)

12 starts, 4-2, 2.76 ERA

Out of 12 starts this year, Johan Santana has pitched well enough to win in 10 of them. He imploded against Philadelphia and had one bad inning against Washington. Other than that, Santana has gone 6 or more innings in every other start, and has gone 7 or more innings in each of his last six starts. The problem? The Mets don't score when he pitches. He only has 4 wins to show for 10 starts ranging anywhere from good to phenomenal. The other downside? Johan has not pitched a complete game this year. At what point will frustration settle in and get the best of him?

MIKE PELFREY (A+)

11 starts, 8-1, 2.39 ERA, 1 save

There are not enough superlatives I could use to describe what Mike Pelfrey has done this year. I'll simply leave it with one stat that I have mentioned previously on this blog. In games Pelfrey has pitched following a Mets loss, he is a perfect 5-0 and the team is a perfect 6-0. When his team needs it the most, he is the guy who stops the bleeding. I want him on the mound any day of the week.

HISANORI TAKAHASHI (B)

3 starts, 4-2, 3.21 ERA

In his first two starts, Taka pitched six inning shutouts against Philadelphia and the Yankees. He got shelled in his last start however. Prior to joining the rotation he was a lifesaver in long relief. Remember how many times he had to pick up Ollie and John's garbage? That said, what to expect from here? Your guess is as good as mine.

R.A. DICKEY (A)

4 starts, 3-0, 3.20 ERA

Wow. A six inning shut out against Philadelphia and a road win alone have created Dickey mania in Queens. Not to mention, having pitched 6 or more innings in every start thus far, he has been a bullpen saver too. The only worry? It's near impossible to think he'll pitch this well the rest of the year. Knuckleballers are erratic by nature. We'll see...

JONATHON NIESE (C+)

8 starts, 1-2, 4.79 ERA

Jonathan is coming off the DL to pitch today and he has been a servicable back end of the rotation guy. He's a bit of an unknown commodity at this point but if health allows, he should be fine in the fifth spot in the rotation. The Mets are 4-4 in games he starts, and it's my belief that they are doing a whole lot better with him as a fifth guy than the likes of Maine and Perez.

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THOSE EXILED AND FORGOTTEN:

JOHN MAINE (F)

9 starts, 1-3, 6.13 ERA

Shoulder weakness? That's an excuse pitchers use when they can't get anybody out.


OLIVER PEREZ (F)

7 starts, 0-3, 6.28 ERA

Define: Oliver Perez

1) A selfish individual that lacks the capacity to care for others, especially his teammates.

2) An individual that is exiled and/or hated by thousands of people for selfish acts.

3) A pitcher with the inability to throw strikes.

4) A pitcher with the inability to record an out.

5) A pitcher whom is his own worst enemy, and in turn, is everyone else's enemy except that of his opponent.

6) A worthless individual.

7) A colossal waste of money.

8) An individual who inexplicably has an inflated ego. One who thinks he/she is better than they actually are.

(Example: Hey you really Oliver Perez'd me when you f***ed my girlfriend)


-Tom Greenhalgh (6/5/10)