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How the Rotation Sets Up -- 2008

Gwreck May 09 2008 10:39 PM

Some interesting decisions coming ahead in the next few weeks with the rotation: 1. The double-header Saturday will necessitate an extra starter being available on Wednesday vs. the Nationals. Seems possible that Jorge Sosa may hold on to his roster spot a bit longer (rather than possible DFA to make room for Matt Wise). 2. With Santana and Pelfrey both pitching on Saturday, their next day to start for both would be Thursday. Pushing Santana back a day would ordinarily seem strange but given the quality of the opposing lineup, it would sure seem logical to throw Pelfrey Thursday and give Santana the extra day so he would pitch against the MFYs on the Friday. 3. After his start on Monday, Figueroa may not be needed for another start for a week (plus). Perhaps he will be the roster casualty for Matt Wise. 4. After the series with the MFYs, the Mets start a roadtrip the following Tuesday with a doubleheader in Atlanta. More roster shuffling could well be possible then. My projection: vs. CIN Sat May 10 (Game 1) - Santana v. Matt Belisle Sat May 10 (Game 2) - Pelfrey v. Bronson Arroyo Sun May 11 - Perez v. Johnny Cueto vs. WAS Mon May 12 - Figueroa v. Odalis Perez Tue May 13 - Maine v. John Lannan Wed May 14 - Jorge Sosa (?) v. Tim Redding Thu May 15 - Pelfrey v. Michael O'Connor vs. NYY Fri May 16 - Santana v. Andy Pettite Sat May 17 - Perez v. Chien-Ming Wang Sun May 18 - Maine v. Mike Mussina

Nymr83 May 09 2008 11:43 PM Re: How the Rotation Sets Up -- 2008

]1. The double-header Saturday will necessitate an extra starter being available on Wednesday vs. the Nationals. Seems possible that Jorge Sosa may hold on to his roster spot a bit longer (rather than possible DFA to make room for Matt Wise). Sosa is possibility, but i'd also consider bringing one of them back on short rest, Santana if he doesnt pitch too many pitches tommorow or Pelfrey "hey rook, do something for the team here" ]2. With Santana and Pelfrey both pitching on Saturday, their next day to start for both would be Thursday. Pushing Santana back a day would ordinarily seem strange but given the quality of the opposing lineup, it would sure seem logical to throw Pelfrey Thursday and give Santana the extra day so he would pitch against the MFYs on the Friday. the logical thing to do would be to skip the 4th/5th starter pelfrey instead of pushing everyone back a day. george steinbrenner isnt hte owner here, we dont need to rearrange our rotation in may to face the MFY who arent even in our division. if we were playing philly friday i'd consider it. ]3. After his start on Monday, Figueroa may not be needed for another start for a week (plus). Perhaps he will be the roster casualty for Matt Wise. that makes sense ]4. After the series with the MFYs, the Mets start a roadtrip the following Tuesday with a doubleheader in Atlanta. More roster shuffling could well be possible then.

batmagadanleadoff May 10 2008 01:10 AM

The Mets have played the least number of games in the Majors (32 games). No team has played exactly 33 games. Three teams have played 34 games (Twins, ChiSox and Braves). Every other team has played at least 35 games. Boston has played the most games (38) - essentially an entire week's worth of games more than the Mets have played. With Saturday's doubleheader, the Mets begin to catch up to every other team in games played -- every other team except the Reds, who are also scheduled to play a doubleheader this Saturday - against the Mets, coincidentally. So the Reds will also gain ground on every other team in the games played department. But the Reds won't gain any ground on the Mets, who also play a doubleheader this Saturday, coincidentally, against the Reds.

John Cougar Lunchbucket May 10 2008 04:56 AM

Rain is called for next week too.

Gwreck May 10 2008 06:03 AM Re: How the Rotation Sets Up -- 2008

Nymr83 wrote: the logical thing to do would be to skip the 4th/5th starter pelfrey instead of pushing everyone back a day. george steinbrenner isnt hte owner here, we dont need to rearrange our rotation in may to face the MFY who arent even in our division. if we were playing philly friday i'd consider it. I agree with you in principle (about not shuffling the rotation just because it's the MFYs) but big-picture, if you skip Pelfrey's spot, that just means there's an additional start that weekend that will need to be taken by the #5 starter Figueroa (or whomever).

Benjamin Grimm May 12 2008 07:16 AM

In today's Daily News, Adam Rubin is saying that Adam Bostick is Wednesday's likely starter if there's no rainout today or tomorrow. He'd come to Shea for his cup of coffee, and then return to New Orleans right after. (He was pulled early from his last start for the Zephyrs, presumably in anticipation that he might be needed in Flushing.)

MFS62 May 12 2008 07:23 AM

What about Aaron Heilmann in a start by committee, each pitcher to follow going one or two innings? It seems they all pitch in the same games anyhow. (ducking) Later

John Cougar Lunchbucket May 12 2008 07:35 AM

It'd be a miracle if they play tonight. Sorry, Adam Bostick.

Benjamin Grimm May 12 2008 08:03 AM

Even if it doesn't happen, this gives us a glimpse at the current state of the depth chart. If there's a rainout tonight, and the Mets schedule a doubleheader on Wednesday or Thursday, then Bostick could still get his shot. Otherwise, the Mets would likely schedule the makeup game on Monday, September 8 or Thursday, September 11. (The Nationals next and final visit to Shea is on the 9th and the 10th, with off days on either side.) Me, I'd rather play a doubleheader this week and leave the days off for September when they may be desperately needed.

soupcan May 12 2008 08:06 AM

I'm going tonight - wife tells me rain is supposed to stop at 8:00.

Gwreck May 12 2008 08:51 AM

They could do a doubleheader on Thursday if they wanted. Sure, it's technically "getaway day" for both teams but on Friday the Mets are playing at the Yankees and the Nationals are playing at the Orioles, so travel isn't going to be a concern.

Frayed Knot May 12 2008 08:56 AM

I'd be shocked if the Mets approve a second DH in the same week - especialy seeing as how it comes the day before the NYY series. Plus, don't they have a DH in Atlanta next week too?

Benjamin Grimm May 12 2008 08:59 AM

Well, the doubleheader wouldn't have to be on Thursday; it could be on Tuesday or Wednesday just as easily.

Frayed Knot May 12 2008 09:01 AM

It still would be two DHs in a week and three in two weeks. I'm guessing any makeup will be pushed out until the next visit.

Gwreck May 12 2008 09:28 AM

Frayed Knot wrote: Plus, don't they have a DH in Atlanta next week too? Yes, they do. So even if Adam Bostick doesn't get a chance this week he may be looking at a Mets debut next week or the week after.

Benjamin Grimm May 12 2008 09:31 AM

The NWS forecast for today looks rather promising: ]This Afternoon: A chance of rain, mainly before 2pm. Cloudy, with a high near 53. Windy, with a east wind between 25 and 29 mph, with gusts as high as 40 mph. Chance of precipitation is 50%. New rainfall amounts of less than a tenth of an inch possible. Tonight: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 48. Breezy, with a north wind between 17 and 25 mph.

John Cougar Lunchbucket May 12 2008 11:29 AM

Huh. Well, maybe Bostick does go this week. Harder to get my head wrapped around is the issue of demoting Smith so as to reactivate Wise. I know Soso has been pitching better ever since the Wise Watch began and Smoith's cobtaract status makes it easier but geez. PS: Who is the DH this weekend? For us, not for them.

soupcan May 12 2008 11:36 AM

Marlon?

Gwreck May 12 2008 11:56 AM

Alou, probably all 3 games. 1 start in the OF each for Endy, Pagan and Marlon.

Benjamin Grimm May 12 2008 12:20 PM

I wouldn't be surprised to see Delgado get a game as DH. But I think I'd go with Alou for at least two of the games, if not all three.

Edgy DC May 13 2008 01:25 PM

Adam Rubin says Claudio Vargas tomorrow, and possibly Fernando Tatis to come with him, with Castillo and Pagan staring at possible trips to the DL.

Benjamin Grimm May 13 2008 01:43 PM

I'd like to see Tatis on the Mets, but I'm not sure at whose expense. Vargas and Tatis replacing Pagan and Castillo would leave us short one position player, but I suppose that one only be for Wednesday. Tatis would stick, I assume, and Vargas would be replaced by... whom?

John Cougar Lunchbucket May 13 2008 01:50 PM

Interesting, and contradicts everything Rubin's own notes column said this morning. Print journalism is dea-diddily-ead. However, I definitely like the idea of getting Figueroa out of the mix, and also like that Smith can/will be saved (as his blog also reports). And Tatis for Pagan... ]Mets calling up Vargas for start tomorrow Major news out of New Orleans today: Surfing the Mets has learned that the Zephyrs scratched Claudio Vargas from his start today, signaling they’ve reversed course and will promote him to take the start tomorrow against the Nationals. Vargas wasn’t under consideration even yesterday afternoon because the spot starter was supposed to be returned to New Orleans right after the game to make room for Matt Wise. Why did the plan change? It would look like Nelson Figueroa’s poor performance Monday night is the major factor. I’d be seriously worried arriving at the ballpark today if I were Figueroa, since a Vargas call-up would mean he’s in the rotation for more than one turn. *** Additional major news: Fernando Tatis looks like he’s coming up, too. Perhaps Luis Castillo’s injury requires the DL. UPDATE: Sounds like the Mets may have come to their senses and will spare Joe Smith, too. That could mean Jorge Sosa is in trouble. It might not be Castillo going on the DL. Sounds like Angel Pagan was in discomfort with his shoulder last night.

Gwreck May 13 2008 02:11 PM

Updated pitching projections: vs. WAS Tue May 13 - Maine v. John Lannan Wed May 14 - Claudio Vargas v. Tim Redding Thu May 15 - Pelfrey v. Matt Chico vs. NYY Fri May 16 - Santana v. Darrell Rasner Sat May 17 - Perez v. Andy Pettite Sun May 18 - Maine v. Chien-Ming Wang vs. ATL Tue May 20 - Claudio Vargas and Pelfrey v. Tom Glavine and Chuck James Wed May 21 - Santana v. Jair Jurrjens Thu May 22 - Perez v. Tim Hudson

Gwreck May 20 2008 11:52 AM

We still have more decisions to make after this doubleheader today: who will start on Saturday? at ATL Tue May 20 - John Maine and Claudio Vargas v. Tom Glavine and Jorge Campillo Wed May 21 - Pelfrey v. Jair Jurrjens Thu May 22 - Santana v. Tim Hudson at COL Fri May 23 - Perez v. Jeff Francis Sat May 24 - TBA v. Jorge De La Rosa Sun May 25 - Maine v. Aaron Cook vs FLA Mon May 26 - Pelfrey v. Ricky Nolasco Tue May 27 - Santana v. Andrew Miller Wed May 28 - Perez v. Scott Olsen vs. LA Thu May 29 - Pedro (??) v. Brad Penny Fri May 30 - Maine v. Chad Billingsley Sat May 31 - Pelfrey v. Hiroki Kuroda Sun Jun 1 - Santana v. Derek Lowe According to Marty Noble, Pedro could be [url=http://newyork.mets.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20080519&content_id=2733532&vkey=news_nym&fext=.jsp&c_id=nym]back next week[/url].

seawolf17 May 20 2008 12:17 PM

="Gwreck"]We still have more decisions to make after this doubleheader today: who will start on Saturday? Sat May 24 - TBA v. Jorge De La Rosa I haven't pitched since Little League, circa 1985, so I'm on full rest.

Benjamin Grimm May 20 2008 12:18 PM

I read in the Daily News this morning that they're considering Vargas on three days rest for the Saturday start.

Gwreck May 27 2008 10:52 PM

Updating with the news about [url=http://newyork.mets.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20080527&content_id=2779030&vkey=news_nym&fext=.jsp&c_id=nym]Pedro's impending return[/url]. vs FLA Wed May 28 - Perez v. Scott Olsen vs. LA Thu May 29 - Vargas v. Brad Penny Fri May 30 - Maine v. Clayton Kershaw Sat May 31 - Pelfrey v. Chad Billingsley Sun Jun 1 - Santana v. Hiroki Kuroda at SF Mon Jun 2 - Perez v. Jonathan Sanchez Tue Jun 3 - Pedro v. Barry Zito Wed Jun 4 - Maine v. Matt Cain at SD Thu Jun 5 - Pelfrey v. TBA Fri Jun 6 - Santana v. Randy Wolf Sat Jun 7 - Perez v. Shawn Estes Sun Jun 8 - Pedro v. Wilfredo Ledezma

Fman99 May 28 2008 04:30 AM

I wonder if Vargas takes Pelfrey's rotation spot on Petey's return, given the recent performances of the two of them (assuming that the pattern continues). Or if one of them stays up as the long man out of the pen.

smg58 May 28 2008 06:42 AM

I'd guess that they'd rather have Pelfrey start in AAA than pitch in relief here, assuming that's what it comes to. I would make a final decision before Vargas and Pelfrey get their next starts, but as things currently stand I'd keep Vargas.

seawolf17 May 28 2008 07:07 AM

Nothing says "Let's Celebrate CPF Day at Shea" than a Mike Pelfrey start.

Frayed Knot May 28 2008 07:15 AM

Yeah, the rotation after Pedro's return is pretty much up in the air at this point. In the meantime, lottsa good young pitching against us ahead (ummm, plus that Zito guy): - Olsen tonight looks like he's gotten his head back in order recently. - We seem to have a hex on Penny but that'll be Clayton Kershaw's 2nd ML start after laying waste to the minors and an impressive debut. - We'll miss Lincecum in SF (assuming this stays correct) but Cain & Sanchez can be tough - and then what was supposed to be the best pitching team in the West is the one place that suddenly looks hollow as both Peavy & Young are currently DL'd in SD

smg58 May 28 2008 11:27 AM

For the record, I'd much rather be a Mets fan than a Padres fan right now.

soupcan May 28 2008 11:40 AM

I will be at Petco for that Martinez start on the 8th.

Gwreck Jun 02 2008 07:49 PM

at SF Mon Jun 2 - Perez v. Jonathan Sanchez Tue Jun 3 - Pedro v. Barry Zito Wed Jun 4 - Maine v. Matt Cain We won't get to face ex-Met Shawn Estes (on the Padres) because he broke his thumb falling in the dugout tunnel. at SD Thu Jun 5 - Pelfrey v. Josh Banks Fri Jun 6 - Santana v. Randy Wolf Sat Jun 7 - Perez v. Cha Seung Baek Sun Jun 8 - Pedro v. Wilfredo Ledezma Looks like we'll get all of Arizona's best pitchers: vs. ARZ Tue Jun 10 - Maine v. Micah Owings Wed Jun 11 - Pelfrey v. Brandon Webb Thu Jun 12 - Santana v. Dan Haren vs. TEX Fri Jun 13 - Perez v. Doug Mathis Sat Jun 14 - Pedro v. A. J. Murray (projected as Pedro's first home start this year) Sun Jun 15 - Maine v. Sidney Ponson

Fman99 Jun 03 2008 09:41 AM

Just to throw this out there, Tony Armas II won for the Zeph last night and is sporting a nifty 2.29 ERA and .219 BAA. Also 59/15 K/BB in 74.2 IP , a whip of 1.00 and not one start with more that 3 ER allowed. Is Armas just a quad-A arm at this point? The guy is still only 30 years old. I wonder if he gets a look, should Big Pelf/OP continue with inconsistent results or if someone gets dinged.

AG/DC Jun 03 2008 09:43 AM

He'll get his shot.

Gwreck Jun 22 2008 09:27 PM

This could use an update: vs. SEA Mon Jun 23 - Santana v. Felix Hernandez Tue Jun 24 - Perez v. Miguel Batista Wed Jun 25 - Maine v. R.A. Dickey vs./at NYY Fri Jun 27 - Pelfrey and Martinez v. Sidney Ponson and Dan Giese Sat Jun 28 - Santana v. Mike Mussina Sun Jun 29 - Perez v. Darrell Rasner at STL Mon Jun 30 - Maine v. Kyle Lohse Tue Jul 1 - Vargas (?) v. Todd Wellemeyer (?) Wed Jul 2 - Pelfrey v. Joel Pineiro Thu Jul 3 - Martinez v. Mitchell Boggs (??) The doubleheader on Friday will screw up our rotation vs. the Cardinals. We can safely assume that Pedro will get the extra day of rest; unclear who starts Tuesday although presumably it could be Vargas if he isn't needed that much during the weekend vs. the MFYs.

AG/DC Jun 26 2008 06:05 AM

Rubin has Tony Armas, Jr. taking the hill on Tuesday.

Gwreck Jun 26 2008 06:51 AM

It will be Pelfrey v. Giese in the afternoon game and Martinez v. Ponson in the night game on Friday.

Elster88 Jul 01 2008 10:16 PM

What's the deal with El Duque? What are the odds that El Duque and Alou contribute to meaningful games in September? By contributing for El Duque I mean giving 2 or more starts or 8 or more bullpen innings. By contributing for Alou I mean starting in 15 or more games. Your mileage may vary.

Gwreck Jul 01 2008 10:57 PM Edited 2 time(s), most recently on Jul 06 2008 11:07 PM

at STL Wed Jul 2 - Martinez v. Joel Pineiro Thu Jul 3 - Pelfrey v. Mitchell Boggs at PHI Fri Jul 4 - Santana v. J.A. Happ/Carlos Carrasco * Sat Jul 5 - Maine v. Jamie Moyer Sun Jul 6 - Perez v. Kyle Kendrick Mon Jul 7 - Martinez v. Adam Eaton vs. SF Tue Jul 8 - Pelfrey v. Kevin Correia Wed Jul 9 - Santana v. Tim Lincecum Thu Jul 10 - Maine v. Jonathan Sanchez * Per [url=http://blogs.nydailynews.com/mets]Adam Rubin's blog[/url] the Mets miss Hamels and get a call-up for the Friday game due to Brett Myers' demotion to the minors. Edits: by mistake.

Fman99 Jul 02 2008 05:55 AM

Wow... nice break to miss Hamels. Also Santana/Lincecum looks like some matchup.

AG/DC Jul 02 2008 06:02 AM

Wow, Myers was demoted? I kind of hope it was to the Sally League.

Gwreck Jul 02 2008 06:07 PM

AG/DC wrote: Wow, Myers was demoted? I kind of hope it was to the Sally League. I was hoping the prison league, personally. More to come in the Philly KTE.

Gwreck Jul 06 2008 11:07 PM

Looks like that initially-projected Santana/Lincecum matchup will not happen. The rotation and matchups going into the break set up as follows: at PHI Mon Jul 7 - Martinez v. Adam Eaton vs. SF Tue Jul 8 - Pelfrey v. Tim Lincecum Wed Jul 9 - Santana v. Jonathan Sanchez Thu Jul 10 - Maine v. Barry Zito vs. COL Fri Jul 11 - Perez v. Aaron Cook Sat Jul 12 - Martinez v. Ubaldo Jimenez Sun Jul 13 - Pelfrey v. Mark Redman

Benjamin Grimm Jul 07 2008 07:14 AM

I'm considering going to Saturday's game, and I'm not too pleased that it lines up as a Pedro start. How times have changed!

Gwreck Jul 16 2008 11:26 PM

Highlights coming out of the break: Looks like we won't dodge Volquez in Cincinnati (we missed him at Shea); We do miss Cole Hamels (again) Brett Myers is projected to get called back up and pitch at Shea next week. at CIN Thu Jul 17 - Santana v. Johnny Cueto Wed Jul 18 - Maine v. Bronson Arroyo Fri Jul 19 - Perez v. Homer Bailey (?) Sat Jul 20 - Martinez v. Edinson Volquez vs. PHI Tue Jul 22 - Pelfrey v. Adam Eaton Wed Jul 23 - Santana v. Brett Myers Thu Jul 24 - Maine v. Jaime Moyer vs. STL Fri Jul 25 - Perez v. Mark Mulder (??) Sat Jul 26 - Pelfrey v. Joel Pineiro Sun Jul 27 - Santana v. Kyle Lohse

AG/DC Jul 17 2008 06:20 AM

I was thinking that the day off Monday would go to Pedro. Essentially, it does, but not until the second time through the rotation. Why that?

Benjamin Grimm Jul 17 2008 07:12 AM

Yeah. I would have come out of the break with a rotation in Cincinnati of Santana, Pelfrey, Perez, Maine. I think both Maine and Pedro could use a little extra rest, and Pelfrey would benefit from staying in his groove. The way it is now, Pelfrey's next start will come on eight days rest.

holychicken Jul 17 2008 07:54 AM

The fact that they got Pelfrey/Santana/Maine against the Phils probably factored into the decision of how the rotation should be set up coming out of the break.

Frayed Knot Jul 17 2008 02:44 PM

Pelfrey, not Pedro, to go on Sunday.

Benjamin Grimm Jul 17 2008 02:51 PM

That's good. (Is it because of aches and/or pains on the part of Pedro? Then that makes it less good.)

Gwreck Jul 17 2008 03:36 PM

Yes. He was scheduled to go Sunday but scratched.

Gwreck Jul 24 2008 12:19 AM

With the death of his father, Pedro to the bereavement list seems likely, requiring a spot start this Saturday against the Cardinals. There are off days on either side of the Houston series, so after the spot start this Saturday, a fifth starter won't be needed until August 9 against Florida. Obviously Pedro could come back and slot in sometime before then as well. vs. STL Fri Jul 25 - Pelfrey v. Mitchell Boggs Sat Jul 26 - TBA v. Joel Pineiro Sun Jul 27 - Santana v. Kyle Lohse at FLA Mon Jul 28 - Maine v. Ricky Nolasco Tue Jul 29 - Perez v. Scott Olsen Wed Jul 30 - Pelfrey v. Josh Johnson at HOU Fri Aug 1 - Santana v. Brandon Backe Sat Aug 2 - Maine v. Randy Wolf Sun Aug 3 - Perez v. Roy Oswalt

Benjamin Grimm Jul 24 2008 07:56 AM

I have no idea who the TBA would be. Is Vargas or Armas available? Me, I'd kinda like to see Jon Niese get a cup of sugar.

TransMonk Jul 24 2008 08:10 AM

Benjamin Grimm wrote: ...I'd kinda like to see Jon Niese get a cup of sugar. Yup, if it's one start, I'd like to see what the kid has over one of the re-treads too.

soupcan Jul 24 2008 08:14 AM

Benjamin Grimm wrote: Me, I'd kinda like to see Jon Niese get a cup of sugar. 'Cup of sugar'? Who are you all of a sudden - Nell Carter?

Benjamin Grimm Jul 24 2008 08:17 AM

I've always been Nell Carter!

John Cougar Lunchbucket Jul 24 2008 08:41 AM

Benjamin Grimm wrote: I have no idea who the TBA would be. Is Vargas or Armas available? Me, I'd kinda like to see Jon Niese get a cup of sugar. Neither Vargas (pitched last night) or Armas (DL) are avaialable. Rotation-wise, Brian Stokes (his day), Ruddy Lugo or Brandon Knight could go. Neise was supposed to start last night at AA but was rained out. I supose he is a possibility. Bobby Parnell pitched Tuesday but got rocked, he's gotta be a longshot.

Gwreck Jul 30 2008 12:13 PM

The off days on either side of the Houston series will allow Maine's next projected start to fall on August 9 against Florida. at FLA Wed Jul 30 - Pelfrey v. Josh Johnson at HOU Fri Aug 1 - Pedro v. Brandon Backe Sat Aug 2 - Santana v. Roy Oswalt Sun Aug 3 - Perez v. Randy Wolf vs SD Tue Aug 5 - Pelfrey v. Cha Seung Baek Wed Aug 6 - Pedro v. Jake Peavy Thu Aug 7 - Santana v. Greg Maddux vs FLA Fri Aug 8 - Perez v. Ricky Nolasco Sat Aug 9 - Maine v. Scott Olsen Sun Aug 10 - Pelfrey v. Josh Johnson

bmfc1 Jul 30 2008 12:40 PM

I like these Gwreck. Thank you.

sharpie Jul 30 2008 01:28 PM

Means that the Mets and Marlins will each see the same 3 pitchers, though the Marlins not in the same order.

Gwreck Aug 04 2008 10:46 PM

Rotation shake-ups are a-comin,' what with Maine's DL trip, etc. Adam Rubin [url=http://www.nydailynews.com/blogs/mets/2008/08/maine-out-until-aug-13.html]reports [/url]that the Mets will again try to split up Santana and Perez, meaning that the spot starter will go on Friday. Additionally, San Diego rotation shakeup means we miss Peavy. vs SD Tue Aug 5 - Pelfrey v. Chris Young Wed Aug 6 - Pedro v. Cha Seung Baek Thu Aug 7 - Santana v. Josh Banks vs FLA Fri Aug 8 - TBA (Claudio Vargas?) v. Ricky Nolasco Sat Aug 9 - Perez v. Scott Olsen Sun Aug 10 - Pelfrey v. Josh Johnson v PIT Mon Aug 11 - Pedro v. Zach Duke at WAS Tue Aug 12 - Santana v. Jason Bergmann Wed Aug 13 - Maine returns? v. Colin Balester Thu Aug 14 - Perez v. Tim Redding

AG/DC Aug 05 2008 06:09 AM

We need a lot of payback blood from San Diego and Florida.

John Cougar Lunchbucket Aug 05 2008 08:34 AM

The TBA Friday may well be Bobby Parnell. Neise is unlikely given he started last nite and the Marlins' righty-heavy lineup. We should be able to guarantee whoever it is, he will wear No. 39. That was Vargas' uni and the number Parnell has worn most often. Parnell last pitched on Friday so he'd have plenty of rest. Vargas pitched on Sunday, so I guess Friday would be his "normal" day. Vargas has had a recent pattern of good/shit outings and is due for shit.

Gwreck Aug 05 2008 03:04 PM

Apparently Perez will go Friday and the TBA starter (which then could be Niese) will go Saturday.

Vic Sage Aug 05 2008 03:28 PM

Ruddy Lugo, c'mon down! or up, rather.

Gwreck Aug 10 2008 07:56 PM

Maine is scheduled to be activated off the DL for Wednesday's start -- with either Stokes or Eddie Kunz getting sent down. The Braves projections are early but as of now they set up for some interesting matchups against ex-Mets... v PIT Mon Aug 11 - Martinez v. Zach Duke at WAS Tue Aug 12 - Santana v. Odalis Perez Wed Aug 13 - Maine v. Jason Bergmann Thu Aug 14 - Perez v. Colin Balester at PIT Fri Aug 15 - Pelfrey v. Jason Davis Sat Aug 16 - Martinez v. Zach Duke (redux) Sun Aug 17 - Santana v. Jeff Karstens Mon Aug 18 - Maine v. Paul Maholm vs. ATL Tue Aug 19 - Perez v. Tom Glavine Wed Aug 20 - Pelfrey v. Jair Jurrjens Thu Aug 21 - Martinez v. Mike Hampton

Gwreck Aug 14 2008 09:53 PM

We'll get the same 3 Houston pitchers we saw earlier this month (plus one more) when the Astros come to Shea, although only Perez-Wolf is a straight rematch. I saw a note posted elsewhere that the rotation currently lines up for the Brewers so that the Mets will miss Sabathia when the Mets go to Milwaukee on September 1-3, but that's a little far out for even me to be projecting. at PIT Fri Aug 15 - Pelfrey v. Jason Davis Sat Aug 16 - Martinez v. Zach Duke (redux) Sun Aug 17 - Santana v. Jeff Karstens Mon Aug 18 - Maine v. Paul Maholm vs. ATL Tue Aug 19 - Perez v. Tom Glavine Wed Aug 20 - Pelfrey v. Jair Jurrjens Thu Aug 21 - Martinez v. Mike Hampton vs. HOU Fri Aug 22 - Santana v. Brandon Backe Sat Aug 23 - Maine v. Roy Oswalt Sun Aug 24 - Perez v. Randy Wolf (redux) Mon Aug 25 - Pelfrey v. Brian Moehler

AG/DC Aug 14 2008 10:01 PM

Hampton and Glavine returning in one three-game set.

Gwreck Aug 15 2008 08:04 PM

Not anymore. Glavine back to the DL.

soupcan Aug 15 2008 08:35 PM

Boo-hoo-hoo.

TransMonk Aug 19 2008 09:36 PM

MLB and ESPN have Oswalt and Backe flipped. Santana vs. Oswalt on Friday looks to be a great match-up as both of them are coming off of nearly flawless performances last Sunday.

Gwreck Aug 19 2008 10:56 PM

Indeed, Houston seems to have flipped them. vs. ATL Wed Aug 20 - Pelfrey v. Jair Jurrjens Thu Aug 21 - Martinez v. Mike Hampton vs. HOU Fri Aug 22 - Santana v. Roy Oswalt Sat Aug 23 - Maine v. Brandon Backe Sun Aug 24 - Perez v. Randy Wolf Mon Aug 25 - Pelfrey v. Brian Moehler at PHI Tue Aug 26 - Martinez v. Jamie Moyer Wed Aug 27 - Santana v. Kyle Kendrick at FLA Fri Aug 29 - Maine v. Chris Volstad Sat Aug 30 - Perez v. Ricky Nolasco Sun Aug 31 - Pelfrey v. Scott Olsen

TransMonk Aug 23 2008 09:03 AM

Adam Rubin wrote: With Mike Pelfrey already having exceeded his innings count for any pro season at 154 innings, pitching coach Dan Warthen intends to use Brian Stokes as a spot starter Aug. 31 at Florida to give Pelfrey nearly a full turn of rest. http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/baseball/mets/2008/08/22/2008-08-22_luis_castillo_set_to_return-3.html

Elster88 Aug 26 2008 08:14 PM

Maine out *sniffle*. Mets confirmed [url=http://newyork.mets.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20080826&content_id=3371017&vkey=news_nym&fext=.jsp&c_id=nym]Pelfrey moves up[/url] with the off day Thursday. ESPN.com has everyone else bumping up after that. I'd love to see Niese on Tuesday. With a few off-days in September the four-man rotation could work for a while after that.

AG/DC Aug 26 2008 10:18 PM

Perez has to be available to go tonight. So say I.

Frayed Knot Aug 26 2008 10:20 PM

Several sources were saying today that Niese will get the Sept 2nd start in Milwaukee - although none of those sources appeared to be the Mets themselves.

Gwreck Aug 27 2008 11:38 AM

More good news ahead: No Josh Johnson, no Sabathia, no Hamels. at PHI Wed Aug 27 - Santana v. Kyle Kendrick at FLA Fri Aug 29 - Perez v. Chris Volstad Sat Aug 30 - Pelfrey v. Ricky Nolasco Sun Aug 31 - Martinez v. Scott Olsen at MIL Mon Sep 1 - Santana v. Ben Sheets Tue Sep 2 - Jon Niese (?)/Brian Stokes (?) v. Jose Parra Wed Sep 3 - Perez v. Dave Bush vs. PHI Fri Sep 5 - Pelfrey v. Brett Myers Sat Sep 6 - Martinez v. Jamie Moyer Sun Sep 7 - Santana v. Kyle Kendrick

TransMonk Aug 27 2008 12:34 PM

="Gwreck"] at MIL Mon Sep 1 - Santana v. Ben Sheets Tue Sep 2 - Jon Niese (?)/Brian Stokes (?) v. Jose Parra Wed Sep 3 - Perez v. Dave Bush I have tickets to the 9/3 game that Perez is slated to start. The Monday game is sold out, but I think I'm going to either buy standing room tickets or try to see what the scalpers have to offer. That pitching matchup is too tempting to miss since I have the day off anyways.

Gwreck Sep 02 2008 10:57 PM

Phils are likely to start Hamels on Sunday (skipping Kyle Kendrick). Hamels pitched tonight, so he'd be on regular rest. Lots of off days coming up gives the Mets the ability to basically do whatever they want with the rotation for the time being. 1. They could simply go to the 4-man rotation for a while; 2. They could also use the extra off days to get some extra rest for the starters -- either game against the Nationals could be another Niese start -- or a Figueroa/Knight game if they were so inclined; 3. They could do some combination of both. There was talk of completely skipping Pelfrey one turn of the rotation a while back, and that could be done too. at MIL Wed Sep 3 - Perez v. Dave Bush vs. PHI Fri Sep 5 - Pelfrey v. Brett Myers Sat Sep 6 - Martinez v. Jamie Moyer Sun Sep 7 - Santana v. Cole Hamels vs. WAS Tue Sep 9 - Perez v. Odalis Perez Wed Sep 10 - TBA v. Jason Bergmann vs. ATL Fri Sep 12 - TBA v. Mike Hampton Sat Sep 13 - TBA v. Charlie Morton Sun Sep 14 - TBA v. Jorge Campillo

Gwreck Sep 08 2008 10:05 AM

Updated for the coming two weeks: vs. WAS Tue Sep 9 - Perez v. John Lannan Wed Sep 10 - Pelfrey v. Odalis Perez vs. ATL Fri Sep 12 - Martinez v. Mike Hampton Sat Sep 13 - Santana v. Jo-Jo Reyes Sun Sep 14 - Perez v. Jorge Campillo at WAS Mon Sep 15 - Pelfrey v. John Lannan Tue Sep 16 - TBA v. Odalis Perez Wed Sep 17 - Martinez v. Jason Bergmann Thu Sep 18 - Santana v. Tim Redding at ATL Fri Sep 19 - Perez v. Jo-Jo Reyes Sat Sep 20 - Pelfrey v. Jorge Campillo Sun Sep 21 - TBA v. James Parr/TBA

Benjamin Grimm Sep 08 2008 11:09 AM

Is Niese a contender for those two TBA starts? I'm not sure who the alternatives are. Much of it will depend on the condition of the standings on September 16 and 21.

Frayed Knot Sep 09 2008 05:00 PM

vs. ATL Fri Sep 12 - Martinez v. Mike Hampton Sat Sep 13 - Santana v. Jo-Jo Reyes Sun Sep 14 - Perez v. Jorge Campillo Santana and Pedro now flipped to keep Johan on his regular day. So it's Johan on Friday and Pedro Saturday

Gwreck Sep 11 2008 11:23 PM

May as well just do it out for the rest of the year. There are no remaining off days for the Mets, so it's likely that Jon Niese (or somebody else) will get 3 starts in the 5th starter slot. Note that teams out of the race (Washington and Atlanta particularly) are subject to change of course. vs. ATL Fri Sep 12 - Santana v. Mike Hampton Sat Sep 13 - Martnez v. Jo-Jo Reyes Sun Sep 14 - Perez v. Jorge Campillo at WAS Mon Sep 15 - Pelfrey v. John Lannan Tue Sep 16 - Niese/TBA v. Odalis Perez Wed Sep 17 - Santana v. Shairon Martis Thu Sep 18 - Martinez v. Tim Redding at ATL Fri Sep 19 - Perez v. Jo-Jo Reyes Sat Sep 20 - Pelfrey v. Jorge Campillo Sun Sep 21 - Niese/TBA v. James Parr/TBA vs CHC Mon Sep 22 - Santana v. Rich Harden Tue Sep 23 - Martinez v. Jason Marquis Wed Sep 24 - Perez v. Carlos Zambrano Thu Sep 25 - Pelfrey v. Ryan Dempster vs. FLA Fri Sep 26 - Niese/TBA v. Chris Volstad Sat Sep 27 - Santana v. Ricky Nolasco Sun Sep 28 - Martinez v. Scott Olsen

duan Sep 12 2008 08:09 AM

that cubs series looms very large doesn't it

Frayed Knot Sep 12 2008 08:12 AM

Yes it does, as does the health questions of Zambrano & Harden. Also, the Cub rotation also could be changed depending on how, if, and when their games with Houston are re-scheduled.

Centerfield Sep 12 2008 08:25 AM

No for real, where is Claudio Vargas?

Gwreck Sep 12 2008 08:50 PM

Centerfield wrote: No for real, where is Claudio Vargas? Injured, I think.

Gwreck Sep 12 2008 08:52 PM

The rainout screws everything up. Here are the new projections: vs. ATL Sat Sep 13, Game 1 - Santana v. Mike Hampton Sat Sep 13, Game 2 - Jon Niese v. Jo-Jo Reyes Sun Sep 14 - Perez v. Jorge Campillo at WAS Mon Sep 15 - Martinez v. John Lannan Tue Sep 16 - Pelfrey v. Odalis Perez Wed Sep 17 - TBA v. Shairon Martis Thu Sep 18 - Santana v. Tim Redding

Benjamin Grimm Sep 13 2008 04:55 AM

Hopefully the Phillies are equally screwed, but they do have some off-days remaining on their schedule, so they should be able to more easily absorb the rainout.

Gwreck Sep 15 2008 09:50 AM

Knight to go on Wednesday. No word on the Atlanta series yet. The doubleheader allows them to keep Niese "on schedule" and pitch against Atlanta again, or to push him back to face the Cubs. My guess is that they do the latter. at WAS Mon Sep 15 - Martinez v. John Lannan Tue Sep 16 - Pelfrey v. Odalis Perez Wed Sep 17 - Brandon Knight v. Shairon Martis Thu Sep 18 - Santana v. Tim Redding at ATL Fri Sep 19 - Perez v. Jo-Jo Reyes Sat Sep 20 - Martinez v. Jorge Campillo Sun Sep 21 - Pelfrey v. James Parr

Benjamin Grimm Sep 15 2008 09:53 AM

Knight, huh? My money would have been on Figueroa.

HahnSolo Sep 15 2008 10:07 AM

Didn't Figueroa get blasted by the Nats earlier? The game right before he was DFA'd? I think it was the game he complained about them celebrating in the dugout. Maybe that game went into the thinking.

metirish Sep 15 2008 10:09 AM

I'm sure Figgi will be on standby to enter in the second inning.

Gwreck Sep 15 2008 10:09 AM

Benjamin Grimm wrote: Knight, huh? My money would have been on Figueroa. So says [url=http://www.nydailynews.com/blogs/mets/2008/09/split-decision-magic-number-is.html]Adam Rubin's blog[/url].

John Cougar Lunchbucket Sep 15 2008 10:15 AM

It doesn't surprise me that Knight is getting more opportunity. As Casey would say, "he hasn't failed here yet." Figgy is strictly a mopup man in my book.

bmfc1 Sep 15 2008 10:26 AM

HahnSolo wrote: Didn't Figueroa get blasted by the Nats earlier? The game right before he was DFA'd? I think it was the game he complained about them celebrating in the dugout. Maybe that game went into the thinking. Figueroa called them "softball girls."

Benjamin Grimm Sep 15 2008 11:04 AM

That's right! I had forgotten about that. I'm not saying that Knight is the wrong choice, by the way. Just not the one I was expecting.

Gwreck Sep 15 2008 11:09 AM

bmfc1 wrote: Figueroa called them "softball girls." Wasn't Elijah Dukes in the middle of that situation too? (As the lead cheerleader?)

Benjamin Grimm Sep 15 2008 11:11 AM

Yup. He even had pom-poms and was wearing a skirt.

Gwreck Sep 15 2008 09:00 PM

Updated with the Cubs, now that we know their rotation after their rescheduled games: at WAS Tue Sep 16 - Pelfrey v. Odalis Perez Wed Sep 17 - Brandon Knight v. Shairon Martis Thu Sep 18 - Santana v. Tim Redding at ATL Fri Sep 19 - Perez v. Jo-Jo Reyes Sat Sep 20 - Martinez v. Jorge Campillo Sun Sep 21 - Pelfrey v. James Parr vs CHC Mon Sep 22 - Jon Niese v. Jason Marquis Tue Sep 23 - Santana v. Rich Harden Wed Sep 247 - Perez v. Carlos Zambrano Thu Sep 25 - Martinez v. Ted Lilly

Elster88 Sep 15 2008 09:11 PM

For some reason I had thought Pelfrey had been knocked around in recent starts but it was only the last one.

Elster88 Sep 15 2008 09:16 PM

oops wrong thread.

Gwreck Sep 22 2008 10:02 PM

Cubs moved Harden back and bumped Ted Lilly out of this series. vs CHC Tue Sep 23 - Santana v. Sean Marshall Wed Sep 24 - Perez v. Carlos Zambrano Thu Sep 25 - Martinez v. Rich Harden vs FLA Fri Sep 26 - Pelfrey v. Chris Volstad Sat Sep 27 - Santana (short rest) v. Ricky Nolsaco Sun Sep 28 - Perez (short rest) v. Scott Olsen

Benjamin Grimm Sep 23 2008 04:00 AM

So if there's a one-game playoff on Monday vs. Milwaukee we get who... Pedro on short rest? Or Niese or Knight? Yeeee...

Frayed Knot Sep 23 2008 06:41 AM

Where does the short rest info come from? Manual was saying as late as yesterday that he wasn't going to go that route. Plus, even if he were so inclined, why make that decision now before knowing what the situation will be?

Benjamin Grimm Sep 23 2008 06:49 AM

Yeah, he doesn't have to make that decision until Saturday, which is the next time Niese's turn comes around. (And he could also opt to replace Niese with Knight, or Figueroa, or... I don't know. Maybe they can activate Julio Valera.) One of the silver linings I've been seeing is that if there's a one-game do-or-die playoff game against the Brewers at Shea on Monday, that we'd have Oliver Perez going. Although it may be necessary to do the short-rest thing just to GET to Monday, I'd hope that the Mets could avoid it. Anyway, if the Mets win today and tomorrow and the Brewers lose today and tomorrow (could happen!) things will be looking a lot brighter on Thursday morning, (magic number of 2 with three to play) and there won't be any "short-rest" talk.

metirish Sep 23 2008 06:54 AM Edited 1 time(s), most recently on Sep 23 2008 07:15 AM

Manuel was asked if he had any thoughts of starting Santana on short rest Saturday and he absolutely stated that that would not happen. Who knows by then where this team will be in the standings.

HahnSolo Sep 23 2008 06:57 AM

Benjamin Grimm wrote: One of the silver linings I've been seeing is that if there's a one-game do-or-die playoff game against the Brewers at Shea on Monday, that we'd have Oliver Perez going. Although it may be necessary to do the short-rest thing just to GET to Monday, I'd hope that the Mets could avoid it. Interestingly (or not), if both teams stayed on rotation it would be Perez v. Suppan. Sound familiar? But who knows, the Brewers could throw Sabathia on 3 days rest.

Frayed Knot Sep 23 2008 07:13 AM

Here's an interesting theoretical choice: Sunday we're one game up on Milwaukee - aka, clinched at least a tie * Do you start Santana against Florida as planned thereby reducing him to one game in Round 1? OR * Skip him and fugure that the 25% chance (we lose + Brews win) of forcing yourself into a one-game playoff won't come up? If it does you throw him in the play-in game, if not he's available twice in NLDS

Benjamin Grimm Sep 23 2008 07:15 AM

If their playoff ticket isn't punched by Sunday morning, I think you have to pitch Johan that day.

metirish Sep 23 2008 07:16 AM

I would start him against FLA , got to give my team the best shot at getting in.

metirish Sep 23 2008 07:22 AM

If Santana does pitch Sunday then the earliest he would be available in the playoffs would be when , game three?

Gwreck Sep 23 2008 07:42 AM

1. It's how the rotation "sets up." Obviously we know a lot can and will change between now and Saturday. 2. That being said, I don't think that Niese, Knight or Figueroa will start on Saturday if the playoffs hang in the balance. Adam Rubin's [url=http://www.nydailynews.com/blogs/mets/2008/09/marquis-matchup-niese-mets-sla.html]blog[/url] had some info on this: ]Niese’s turn next comes up Saturday, in the Mets’ second-to-last game of the season. Manuel said it’s too early to commit to Niese for that start, though the interim manager had previously resolved not to use Johan Santana on short rest that day. The only other obvious options, Manuel agreed, are Nelson Figueora and Brandon Knight. 3. If Santana pitches Sunday, he'll be available for game 2 of the division series (3 days rest) or game 3 (5 days rest). 4. If Santana pitches Saturday on short rest, he'd be available to go in game 2 of the division series (regular rest) and game 5 (regular rest). 5. If the Mets stay "on turn" and do not move anyone up to pitch on short rest -- meaning that the "5th starter" spot pitches on Saturday -- the rotation would set up like this for round 1: Game 1: Perez Game 2: Pelfrey Game 3: Santana Game 4: Martinez Game 5: Perez or Pelfrey

sharpie Sep 23 2008 07:44 AM

The Friday game vs Florida also makes me nervous as Pelfrey has been cuffed around by those guys this year.

Gwreck Sep 23 2008 03:09 PM

More on Saturday, from Josh Thompson of the [url=http://mets.lohudblogs.com/2008/09/23/saturdays-starter-the-epitome-of-tba/]Journal News' blog[/url]: ]Near where the lineup is posted in the clubhouse, the Mets have listed “staff” as Saturday’s starter. In the past when the starter wasn’t determined until late, it would have a question mark. I’d say this would indicate the Mets may pitch just about everyone, including starters on their throw days. The starter will just be starter in name only. UPDATE, 4:40 p.m.: A correction and an update. The correct term written on the wall in the clubhouse is “Staffinator.” Seriously. Also, Manuel said he has “nothing in ink for Saturday.”

themetfairy Sep 23 2008 03:25 PM

[url=http://www.duels.com/the_staffinator]This guy?[/url]

seawolf17 Sep 23 2008 05:07 PM

Someone get Derek Bell and Brent Mayne on line two.