Home » Opinion and Analysis » Bay and Pelfrey to DL: Good News or Bad News?
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April 25, 2012 Opinion and Analysis Joe Janish

Bay and Pelfrey to DL: Good News or Bad News?

By now you probably know that Jason Bay has been placed on the disabled list with a rib fracture and Mike Pelfrey joined him with elbow inflammation.

Is this bad news or good news for Mets fans?

Obviously, it’s bad news if you are Bay, Pelfrey, or a relative of either. Certainly, no one wants to root for others to have pain and injury. But “it is what it is” and as a result, two fan unfavorites are off the roster, to be replaced by youngsters from the farm. Are you willing and inappropriate enough to admit that you are at least intrigued — if not pleased — with this unfortunate turn of events?

With Bay, Pelfrey, and Ronny Cedeno out (yeah, he’s hurt too — do you care?), the Mets have promoted Jordany Valdespin, Zach Lutz, and Robert Carson. It’s likely that Carson will go back down and be replaced by a starter from Buffalo when Pelfrey’s turn in the rotation comes up. Valdespin may see time in left field, and has already seen an inning at second base. Lutz might get some playing time while Ike Davis is struggling.

Personally, I’m torn; as a ballplayer myself — and one who dealt with debilitating injuries — I don’t like to hear about others’ injuries. At the same time, the prospect of seeing prospects on a team going nowhere fast excites me. Maybe Lutz will be nothing than another Craig Brazell; maybe Valdespin is just another Danny Garcia; perhaps Carson is another Brent Gaff. But the point is, I’m not seeing a postseason appearance this year, so I need something to be excited about. In previous dark days, the promise of postseason was replaced by hopes and wishes for the exuberant and youthful play of Jeff Duncan, Orber Moreno, Mike Bishop, Butch Benton, Jeremy Griffiths, Matt Watson, Esix Snead, John Pacella, Roy Lee Jackson, Dan Norman, and many others. Every once in a while, one of those young fill-ins moved on and actually made careers of themselves — Marco Scutaro, Mike Scott, Fernando Vina, and Jose Oquendo are a few who come to mind. It’s already looking like it’s going to be “one of those years” when the win-loss record won’t be the focal point, so we turn our attention to the future. With an adjustment in expectations, and change of perspective, 2012 can be an enjoyable season of baseball in Flushing.

What say you? Do you look forward to seeing an influx of youngsters this year? Do you feel the least bit guilty knowing that the pleasure of their entry is dependent on the pain of others? Post your feelings in the comments.

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. SiddFinch April 25, 2012 at 9:00 am
    I’m not really surprised by Pelf’s injury. It seems, and I think you alluded to it, that often he appeared to be pitching with some discomfort. Could that be why he abandoned the sinker? It would cause too much pain in the elbow when he threw it.
  2. DaveSchneck April 25, 2012 at 9:11 am
    The verdict is not in on Pelf, but it doesn’t look good. Missing the 2011 version of Pelf would be no big deal. While I don’t see him in their plans after 2012 in any event, losing the Pelf we’ve seen so far this year will not be good, even if there are low expectations. The young pitchers we really want to see aren’t ready yet, so Pelf placeholding this year is no big deal as he’s not really blocking anyone. Maybe Schwinden will surprise, but he a Gee as 2/5 of the rotation is scary. Regarding Bay, without wishing injury on him, it is good to give some youngsters a chance. The only problem is that they are all lefty bats. This is going to hurt Wright, especially against the lefties that he kills, and that is not a good thing in the short term or the long term. Where are the righty OF bats? If Ike keeps this up he may get a vacation in Buffalo, and if the kids perform, I can see the Dude at 1B, with and OF of Torres in LF, Spin in CF, and the Captain in RF.
  3. Joe April 25, 2012 at 9:19 am
    Pelfrey was actually pitching okay. Who knows if he could have kept it up and some other team would actually give the Mets something for him. If there was someone ready, fine, but who exactly IS ready? Bay being hurt would be a bit better if Torres (remember him?) wasn’t hurt too. We saw how things worked in LF yesterday, didn’t we? And, KN is already up. Cedeno being hurt does open up a slot for someone interesting.
  4. meticated April 25, 2012 at 9:20 am
    im torn about this…no pun intended….pelfrey is an enigma wrapped around a conundrum, but he might have just figured out a mechanical adjustment and it would have been nice to see if he gad a groove on…bay is sadly fighting with some bad mojo…maybe a chicken rub and a garter belt with a rose….
  5. Warren April 25, 2012 at 10:15 am
    I agree with you about let’s bring up the young position players and that it should be enjoyable to watch them. But I don’t agree about Big Pelf; I think a lot of fans like Mike.

    Hopefully the icing on the cake will be bringing up one or two of the big pitching prospects later in the season.

  6. Mic April 25, 2012 at 12:01 pm
    Joe:

    It depends.
    -In the case of Andres Torres VERY good. But consider Kirk, would have owned CF already had he not been injured.

    – In the case of Bay: its not THAT good. Bay iws what he is… a .260 hitter with power and good defense, also a good leader….No he is not DW but he IS a great senior pro. His offense and defense have been a difference maker in MANY games. BUT he functions in a blue collar manner so his contribution is diluted. Fact is this team NEEDS him more than they realize. They could get by without Torres tho.

    – Pelfrey: again 50-50. BUT we know the Mets are not high on him. BUT he is pitching well. his value is good. SO WHO replaces him? THAT IS THE QUESTION? My guess is the Matt Harvey era cometh.

  7. Mic April 25, 2012 at 12:09 pm
    On Bay: One of our favorite Mets of all time was Straw. A 260 hitter who hit grandiose HR, but NOT in big games, played so-so defense (as I recall), and was a headcase.

    – Bay is a PRO. He has hit some clutch HR already and has a good eye. And how many HRs has he taken away this year? With he and Kirk the OF is almost watertight.

    The Pelfrey era is gone. I think Gee stays, Zohan stays, RA stays. and of course Niese stays. So WHO gives way to Matt Harvey , Familia and Wheeler? Note: Neither Harvey, Whheler or anyone will be Zohan anytime soon.

  8. gary s. April 25, 2012 at 4:38 pm
    Since jason K made the nice catch in Atlanta he has dropped three fly balls.He is a strikeout and doubleplay ball machine.We need him more than we realize?Yikes!!!!
  9. Josh Z April 25, 2012 at 8:55 pm
    Pelf is doing well so far, and Bay was coming out of hibernation or whatever he was doing since he joined the Mets… this is bad.