Post Season Pitching

Yeah, it’s me talking about the value of pitching again.

First question:  How many current New York Mets pitchers could hold their own in a World Series game as top notched as the ones we are watching this week?

Well, regarding starters, maybe one in R.A. Dickey. He’s not the standard version of a dominant starter, but he’s a keeper. Reliever wise, I also say only one: Manny Acosta. Acosta was basically light out the second half of the season and I could see him easily wowing viewers during a WS game.

After that, steak knives.

Second Question:  Who was the top Mets pitching prospect this time last year? 

No, it was not either Zack Wheeler or Matt Harvey. It wasn’t even Jeurys Familia. It was Jenrry Mejia who is currently rehabbing from surgery. Mejia is now ranked fourth. This shows you just how quickly the Mets have improved their future pitching prospects.

Third Question:  Why is it important to throw the ball faster?

With the risk of sounding like Yogi Berra, the answer is the ball gets to the catcher’s glove faster. Also, the batter has less time to finish off his swing, thus be releasing the most energy at the point the bat hits the ball.

Fourth Question:  Have you noticed that both teams in the World Series just keep turning out one great pitcher after another? How many you need on a great team?

Well, you have five starters and, at least, seven relievers. That’s 12 pitches. My guess is eight is a good number, with 10 being great.

Fifth Question:  How important is the 8^th and 9^th inning dude?

Frankly, no one gets to the World Series, no less wins it, without great pitchers in both categories. The Mets had this figured out with J.J. Putz and K-Rod. Now Mets fans start to get the hives when the 6^th inning comes around.

Here’s what I’m thinking:

2012:  Johan Santana, Jon Niese, R.A. Dickey, Dillon Gee, Chris Schwinden… Pedro Beato, Bobby Parnell

2013:  Johan Santana, Jon Niese, R.A. Dickey, Zack Wheeler, Matt Harvey… Jeurys Familia, Jenrry Mejia

2015:  Zack Wheeler, Matt Harvey, Akeel Morris, Logan Verrett, Tyler Pill… Jeurys Familia, Jenrry Mejia