The New York Mets suffered a historic collapse in the 2007 season. So what, do Mets fans say, will bring them over the top this year? Newly acquired ace, Johan Santana.
Johan Santana set the tone for the 2008 New York Mets, pitching seven brilliant innings against the Marlins in Florida on Opening Day. Santana allowed three hits -- one a home run -- two walks, and two runs in seven innings. Ace as advertised.
And he left the Mets’ undefeated record (1-0) on the line for Pedro Martinez, the Mets’ Tuesday-night starter, whose assessment of Santana’s performance was: “Just what the doctor ordered.”
Little did Pedro realize the irony of his statement at the time.
Pedro, the 36-year-old dominant pitcher with great stuff, who was out for the majority of the 2007 season with several injuries, left after 3 1/3 innings, allowing four runs on four hits to the lowly Marlins. The Mets went on to lose in extra innings, 5-4, before about 15,000 at Dolphin Stadium. Martinez will have an MRI in the near future, and more information about his injury is forthcoming, but judging by the grimace on his face as he left the mound, Martinez may be out for a while.
Pitching coach Rick Peterson called it "emotionally crushing." Catcher Brian Schneider said it was a "tough break," because Martinez was just beginning to settle down in the game.
Billy Wagner, the Mets closer, had a positive outlook. “Until [Pedro comes back], we have to rely on some of the other horses to pick it up."
Possibilities to replace Martinez include Nelson Figueroa, Jorge Sosa (who threw 2 2/3 scoreless innings on Tuesday night), Mike Pelfrey, Tony Armas, or Brian Stokes, who was just optioned to Triple-A New Orleans. Orlando Hernandez would be the obvious choice if he was ready, but the veteran starter is dealing with a left foot injury and finds himself on the Disabled List. He said on Sunday that he'll likely need two to three Minor League starts to feel better about his readiness.
Orlando Hernandez would be the obvious choice if he was ready. But the veteran right-hander is dealing with a left foot bunion problem and experimenting with his windup. He said on Sunday that he'll likely need two to three Minor League starts to feel better about his readiness.
One thing is for sure: the rest of the Mets will have to pick up the slack to remain the National League East “team to beat,” as Carlos Beltran put it earlier in Spring Training. Pedro is just one player on a team. Until his return, the Mets can do one of two things: collapse, or make the best of what they have.
It’s up to them.
comments (0) write a comment »
write a new comment
This article has no comments.