Yeah, it’s me talking about the value of pitching again.
First question: How many current New York Mets pitchers could hold their own in a World Series game as top notched as the ones we are watching this week?
Well, regarding starters, maybe one in R.A. Dickey. He’s not the standard version of a dominant starter, but he’s a keeper. Reliever wise, I also say only one: Manny Acosta. Acosta was basically light out the second half of the season and I could see him easily wowing viewers during a WS game.
After that, steak knives.
Second Question: Who was the top Mets pitching prospect this time last year?
No, it was not either Zack Wheeler or Matt Harvey. It wasn’t even Jeurys Familia. It was Jenrry Mejia who is currently rehabbing from surgery. Mejia is now ranked fourth. This shows you just how quickly the Mets have improved their future pitching prospects.
Third Question: Why is it important to throw the ball faster?
With the risk of sounding like Yogi Berra, the answer is the ball gets to the catcher’s glove faster. Also, the batter has less time to finish off his swing, thus be releasing the most energy at the point the bat hits the ball.
Fourth Question: Have you noticed that both teams in the World Series just keep turning out one great pitcher after another? How many you need on a great team?
Well, you have five starters and, at least, seven relievers. That’s 12 pitches. My guess is eight is a good number, with 10 being great.
Fifth Question: How important is the 8th and 9th inning dude?
Frankly, no one gets to the World Series, no less wins it, without great pitchers in both categories. The Mets had this figured out with J.J. Putz and K-Rod. Now Mets fans start to get the hives when the 6th inning comes around.
Here’s what I’m thinking:
2012: Johan Santana, Jon Niese, R.A. Dickey, Dillon Gee, Chris Schwinden… Pedro Beato, Bobby Parnell
2013: Johan Santana, Jon Niese, R.A. Dickey, Zack Wheeler, Matt Harvey… Jeurys Familia, Jenrry Mejia
2015: Zack Wheeler, Matt Harvey, Akeel Morris, Logan Verrett, Tyler Pill… Jeurys Familia, Jenrry Mejia
We're going to need a lefty or 2
ReplyDeleteI'd be surprised if they gave up on Mejia and Familia as starters by 2013. They have to at least give them a shot to succeed as SPs, no?
ReplyDeletelefty?
ReplyDeletethey'll get Pomeranz in the Wright deal :)
Justin, I would too re: Familia. I just was speculating trying to show the kind of prospect pitching depth the Mets have right now.
Familia will be the first up and will get a shot, but they may decide to baby Mejia in the pen
LOL!
ReplyDeleteOne can only hope on Pomeranz :)
I sure hope Familia stays a starter. Making any of the top four pitching prospects relievers would be my last resort. Front end pitching costs a helluva lot more then eighth and ninth inning guys. Besides, the Mets also have other solid arms in the minors that might be perfect fits for those roles come 2013 & 2014. Guys like Rhiner Cruz, Brad Holt, Jack Lethersich. Plus, even though they've struggled so far, Parnell and Beato might just have those roles locked down if they can find a way to sustain some success and confidence in 2012. Beato was fabulous and should get better (what a great rule five pick). I'd pray that by 2013, the Mets won't need to fill the eighth & ninth innings and this way Familia and Mejia could fight for a rotation spot or even become trade bait for other needs. Hopefully, Niese and Gee solidify their slots aswell, making the Mets that much stronger depth wise. Lets just hope all these guys continue to prosper and stay healthy(in Mejia's case, get healthy).
ReplyDelete