[TABLE=16] As a result of the signing of Scott Schoeneweis, Pedro Feliciano was pushed to the far side of the bullpen in spring training, and some pundits did not even include him in their “projected” rosters during the preseason. Despite his fairly successful 2006, Feliciano was considered by some to be an extra luxury — … Read more
[TABLE=15] First-half Analysis Here’s the story. After a mediocre career as a starter, Schoeneweis is transitioned to the bullpen, first as a mop-up man, then as a LOOGY. He has moderate success, though nothing to write home about, until the American League catches on to his run-of-the-mill repertoire of a straight fastball and so-so secondary … Read more
[TABLE=14] This time last year, Joe Smith was toiling in the bullpen of the Brooklyn Cyclones, the lowest rung of professional baseball, only weeks after attending college classes. Now, he’s counted on to get big outs in the biggest media circus of Major League Baseball. The way he goes about his business is similar to … Read more
[TABLE=13] First-half Analysis This year, Billy Wagner has been everything we always hoped he’d be — a lights-out, no nonsense closer who ends games without a hint of concern, slamming the door on opposing teams before they even knock. In short, the exact opposite of every other closer in Mets history. Yes, he still has … Read more
[TABLE=12] First-half Analysis For the majority of his starts, El Duque has been brilliant, mixing speeds and pitches and arm angles with great success in keeping batters guessing and off-balance. On occasion he’s had forgettable outings — usually tied directly to the sharpness of his bread-and-butter overhand curve. Second-half Outlook As is always the question … Read more
[TABLE=11] First-half Analysis What a difference a year makes. Sosa went from scrap heap to sensation in the blink of an eye, all on the success of a nasty slider. A last-minute addition to spring training, Jorge Sosa was an afterthought in Port St. Lucie, buried behind a slew of other starters, such as Aaron … Read more
[TABLE=10] Looking at his peripheral numbers — i.e., a 1.16 WHIP, 3.14 ERA, 2:1 K:BB ratio — and considering the mighty Mets offense, it’s unbelievable his record is only 7-6. While John Maine has established himself as the Mets’ stopper, Oliver Perez is not far behind — and with a little luck would have nine … Read more
[TABLE=9] First-half Analysis What more can you say about John Maine? He’s lived up to his surname, the “main man” in the Mets’ rotation, establishing himself as their bonafide stopper. Last year, Maine found remarkable success throwing essentially one pitch — a fastball. He ran it down and in, and ran it up, and rarely … Read more
