I like how you fail to mention that in 2 of his 9 starts he was forced out early because of rain delays, somthing that was beyond his control. And even if they weren't, as a converted reliever he isn't expected to go deep into games right away. Regardless of that, he went 6 innings at the very least in every other start but the last one.

 

not even close.

 

his starts:

 

5.0 ip

6.0 ip

3.0 ip

6.0 ip

7.2 ip

5.1 ip

4.0 ip

3.0 ip

 

that's right, he pitched 6 innings in only 3 of his 9 starts. i'm sorry, but any way you cut it, that's unacceptable for a starter. i didn't know about rain delays apparently shortening 2 outings, but thats a pretty lame excuse for averaging 5 innings per start.

 

From what I saw, he only was the victim of one rain delay, which was the first 3.0 IP against Philly. I think it's difficult to judge his IP thus far, like mets bs said, because he was strictly used as a mop-up/closer guy with the ChiSox. He was a starter at Mississippi St. in college, but the ChiSox immediately sent him to the bullpen in hopes of making him a future closer. He only started starting again this season with the Mets, so it's kinda unfair to hold it against him for his first few starts. In one of his starts against PHI, he went 6 IP, only allowing 4 H while pitching 82 pitches. A normal starter would have obviously gone longer with a pitch count like that, but Art Howe isn't dumb enough to destroy his starters. He's got to work him back into the groove of starting again. That being said however, his past few starts have been mediocre at best. If anyone watched him pitch on Sunday against the Yanks, his fastball was going all over the place; if he keeps his fastball in check and on target, he's got pretty good stuff. However, once that starts moving, its very easily hittable, and I think that's been a large part of his problem for his career thus far; the fastball. Hopefully, the Mets pitching coach (Peterson I think?) can continue to work on that with him.

It should be interesting when he pitches on Saturday against the Yanks (I'll be in attendance watching that one). I think if the fastball is under control, he can bounce between that and his slider and keep the Mets in the game. If the fastball is moving though, he'll be out early.

From what I saw, he only was the victim of one rain delay, which was the first 3.0 IP against Philly. 434894[/snapback]

 

yeah, i noticed that too when i went to check.