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| PC - Ed Delany |
It's only spring training, right?
That's what we tell ourselves when one of the Mets' key starters, Steve Matz, sits on the cusp of St Patty's Day with a horrible stat line:
10.2 innings pitched, 18 hits, 13 runs, and 6 homers allowed, tied for the major league lead (with the Yanks' J. Happ, in case you were wondering).
But, if it makes you feel better, some butlers from other teams are worse...a lot worse.
How about the Phillies' V. Arano, with 15 H, 17 R, 3 HR, 5 BB, and just 1 K in 3 very fine innings of work?
Or Baltimore's M. Givens...2.2 IP, 9 R, 3 HR?
KC's B. Flynn? Ouch. 3 IP, 9 H, 10 R.
The Angel's J. Castillo? Not pretty at 3 IP, 7 H, 9 R, 8 BB, and just 1 lousy K.
Cleveland's C. Hu? 4 IP, 13 H, 12 R...more like C Hu Later.
Cincy's B. Finnegan? 5 IP, 9 H, 15 R, 3 HR, 6BB.
How about a well-known King who used to pitch like Jake deGrom? Felix Hernandez has gone 7.1 IP, 13 H and 13 R.
I could go on, there are quite a few more, but what about 4, yes 4, former Mets?
Jerry Blevins in 3 innings has allowed 6 hits, 8 runs, 3 walks and 3 homers.
Colin McHugh? 5.2 IP, 12 H, 10 R. McPugh is more like it!
Carlos Torres? 5.2 IP, 15 hits and 9 earned runs.
Carlos Torres? 5.2 IP, 15 hits and 9 earned runs.
And the (now) Rays' Adam Kolarek, going 6 innings, 12 H, 11 R.
Lots and lots of roughed-up guys.
Guys who have their team's fans saying - what else?
"It's only spring training, right?"
Unlike most of those other team's guys, though, I think Steve Matz is gonna be just fine.
In June, we'll all be saying about ol' Stevie Boy, "Ya see, it WAS only spring training, I was right."
Of course the flip side to that is the strong pitching of Jason Vargas or the strong hitting of several Mets batters...it's only spring training, right?
ReplyDeleteThe good news is Matz knows what he's doing wrong here... keeping the ball up in the zone.
ReplyDeleteThe bad news is he has done this year after year.
Matz has been a puzzle - great in minors when healthy - with few homers allowed - starts his career with the Mets 10-1. And seems like his own worst enemy since, with lots of homers.
ReplyDeleteHe needs to go back to being rookie Matz.
Reese, I just think this team will hit a lot if healthy. especially if Lowrie returns at close to 100%.
What are Matz's splits in games with his grandpa in the stands vs those without him? 😈
ReplyDeleteBad Grandpa? Not sure, Bill.
ReplyDelete