Tom Brennan - THE VALENZUELA VALLEY

 

Tom Brennan - THE VALENZUELA VALLEY

 

Hitters have the ingnominious "Mendoza Line" for when they hit below .200.

 

But what do the pitchers have?  In the spirit of Mendoza, I nominate the term "Valenzuela Valley." 

 

Fernando Valenzuela once upon a time took baseball by storm with EIGHT shutouts in his rookie season, quite a career peak...and 26 shutouts in his first 5 seasons. 

 

In his last season in 1997, though, Mr. Valenzuela went 2-12, quite a valley for Fernando.  A Valenzuela Valley.

 

Which Mets pitchers this year have spent more time in the Valley than on the peak?  Let's take a peek:

 

Kevin McGowan - given some early spring exposure, it did not go well: 4.1 IP, 13 H, 14 R, 5 BB, 5 K, 3 HR.

 

Hansel "Boom Boom" Robles - his homer-surrendering penchant continues, with 10 IP, 15 H, 12 R, 4 BB, 11 K, and 5 homers.  Can anyone spell "souvenir"?

  

Rafael Montero - the man of a million chances is plotzing in this latest one: 8.2 IP, 11 H, 11 R, 5 BB, 10 K.

 

Jeurys Familia - voted most likely to vault out of the valley, Familia has gone 6.1 IP and allowed 6 H, 5 R, 3 BB, just 1 K.

 

Zach Wheeler - shops at Hits R Us: 8 IP, 15 H, 6 R, 2 BB, and 11 K.  I find the 11 Ks very encouraging, though.

 

Jamie Callahan - his relief work needs relief - I suggest Rolaids: 6.2 IP, 11 H, 6 R, 3 BB, 4 K.

 

I hope the Valley Boys will soon be seen with binoculars on surrounding peaks, looking down from the heights. 

Steve Matz by the way was BRILLIANT on Monday (6 innings, 2 runs, 9 Ks), and although he started this spring in the valley, he sure seems BACK TO ME!!   GREAT NEWS!!