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September 25, 2011 Mets 2011 Games Joe Janish

Mets Game 159: Phillies

Phillies 9 Mets 4

The Mets altered their role of “spoiler”, by spoiling the Phillies’ bid for a 9-game losing streak.

Mets Game Notes

Seeing Roy Halladay pitch against Mike Pelfrey and calling it a “contrast in styles” would be an understatement. I wouldn’t say Halladay was spectacular, but his approach and execution are head and shoulders above most other starting pitchers currently in MLB. As a baseball fan, it was a pleasure to watch him at his craft; as a Mets fan, it made my stomach turn — as did watching Pelfrey.

Big Pelf made it through only three full innings, removed for pinch-hitter Josh Satin in the bottom of the third after allowing five runs on nine hits and a walk. For those interested, that comes out to just a hint more than three baserunners per inning. Pelf couldn’t exit the game fast enough.

D.J. Carrasco followed in Pelfrey’s footsteps, giving up another four runs on four hits and a walk in his one inning of “work”. Again, if you’re interested, I’ll do the math for you: lessee … 4 hits + 1 walk = 5 baserunners, divided by 1 inning … hmm … per my calculation that comes out to 5 baserunners per inning! On the bright side, USS Submarine Carrasco did strike out two batters, so there’s that. Those 2 strikeouts in 1 inning work out to 18 Ks/9 IP. See how stats can make things seem better?

I think it’s really cool that the Mets are letting Carrasco experiment with his submarine delivery against real-live MLB hitters, because it shows without debate just how ineffective that arm slot is for the veteran slop-thrower. My guess is the only way Carrasco can hope to be effective throwing as a submariner is via divine intervention. But hey, we have all winter to keep the faith; maybe we should light candles every Sunday or perform a novena.

OK let’s try to focus on the positive aspects of the ballgame. Jason Pridie was a homerun short of hitting for the cycle, and that would’ve been cool. He went 3-for-3 with a walk. Another nice thing that happened was Ronny Paulino’s two-run homerun to put the Mets on the scoreboard. It was his second homerun of the season — his first came on June 8th. Justin Turner smacked two doubles hitting in the #5 spot of the order (behind “cleanup man” Nick Evans) and while playing 3B. And finally, there was everyone’s favorite September call-up Val Pascucci, whose pinch-hit single drove in a run.

Next Mets Game

The Mets begin the final series of the year on Monday night with a game against the Cincinnati Reds. Game time is 7:10 PM and will pit Chris Schwinden against Homer Bailey.

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Joe Janish began MetsToday in 2005 to provide the unique perspective of a high-level player and coach -- he earned NCAA D-1 All-American honors as a catcher and coached several players who went on to play pro ball. As a result his posts often include mechanical evaluations, scout-like analysis, and opinions that go beyond the numbers. Follow Joe's baseball tips on Twitter at @onbaseball and at the On Baseball Google Plus page.
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  1. Jimmy Prinzler September 26, 2011 at 12:59 am
    Pelfrey is still terrible, I believe he’s FA. I honestly don’t think Mets would re-sign him not even for 1.5M. I’d rather to gamble on Chris Schwinden over Pelfery for next year. I am done with Big Pelf, I hope tonight was his last game as a Met.
  2. Joe September 26, 2011 at 7:44 am
    The game was a lost cause but at least Pelfrey could have had a credible outing. But, even as an inning eater, he is a pain. If the Yanks and other teams can find cheap retreads for back-end starters, they can too. Pelfrey is just too painful to watch.

    Carrasco was a low risk signing but unlike various others who gave you something (how are you doing Taylor B.? seriously, hope you are doing okay) , he really didn’t give much at all. So it goes.

  3. izzy September 26, 2011 at 8:49 am
    Pelfrey is a perfect example of what is wrong wth baseball’s pay structure. Here’s a guy who had a truly horrible season and the team is stuck with the choice of non tendering him forcing them to fill another hole in a team with too many already or offering him arbitration and guaranteeing that he will get a pay raise for being lousy. Personlly, I see 12 as another lost year so I will let him go because if he is part of the future, the future is bleak.