Biggest Frustration of All

MIKE PELFREY - SP
2011 stats - 7 W, 13 L, 4.74 ERA, 193.2 IP, .287 BAA

For the past couple of seasons, everyone has been waiting for Mike Pelfrey to pop and burst onto the scene like the touted prospect he was once known as.  There were signs alright, enough of them, sprinkled here and there throughout his first few seasons, to show that consistent stardom was almost here.  The biggest sign was in 2008, the last season at Shea Stadium.  Big Pelf, a nickname the fans concocted for him, was a strong, dominant presence in the rotation and finished the season with 13 wins.

After a so-so year in 2009, Pelfrey had his career season in 2010, posting a career high 15 wins and a career low 3.66 ERA.  As last season approached and certainty that Johan Santana would not be available for most of the season (we all know how that story played out), Pelfrey was tabbed to be the ace of the staff.

Wrong move.  Big Pelf struggled from the get go last season and was never able to get into a comfort zone and find a groove.  It may have been the pressure placed on his shoulders, the constant match up with the opposition's #1 pitcher, or a natural regression.  It also doesn't help that Pelfrey is a head case and no one ever knows what is going on through his mind.

What the Mets need to know is this, simply, which pitcher are they getting his season... 2009, 2010, or 2011.  They need the old Pelfrey.  As long as Santana continues his health come back, Pelfrey will not be looked at or needed as the number one guy.  At this point, his spot as the two or three is in question.  There is the strong possibility that Pelfrey will be the #4 starter, which may be best for him.  He will not have the pressure of being the ace nor the match up with top pitchers across the league.