Fret Not Fans

So last night, we saw the second start of Pedro's late summer spring training. After Friday night's display, fans were concerned that he was not ready, and that the Mets would be in trouble in the playoffs. So many were hoping that last night would see Pedro dominate. For a little while at least, he did.

Four innings of no-hit ball. Five strikeouts. Not a bad way to start. Not a lot in the way of speed, but Pedro's control was much better, and he had his off-speed stuff working well. In the fifth, he tired, allowing a couple of hits, hitting a batter to load the bases, and finally allowing 4 runs, 3 earned. Final line, 5 innings, 7 k's, 1 bb, 4 runs, 3 earned. So, some improvement.

So the question remains, should Met fans be worried about Pedro? He has missed significant time this year due to injuries (which was a fear when he was signed for 4 years prior to 2005). The bad side of this is that he is not in peak form as they head to October. The good side is that Pedro has tired late in the season the past couple of years, so this time off could be a blessing. The thing is this, he is using these last 3 starts as Spring Training in a way. He did not make any rehab starts, he is in effect doing his rehab with the Mets. He threw 68 pitches on Friday, and threw 87 last night. He is doing his side work to get his arm strength back. The key is for him to get his arm back and his control. These games now mean nothing, the division is clinched, Home Field is in the bag as well (damn you Trevor Hoffman). The man is a competitor, once the bell rings, he will give it all he has. Let's take a little trip down memory lane, shall we.

In 1999, the Sox were facing the Indians in the ALDS. Pedro started Game 1, and went 4 innings, leaving with some soreness. The Sox went on to lose the game 3-2. They also lost game 2, but won games 3 and 4. It all came down to a deciding game 5. Bret Saberhagen started for the Sox in Cleveland, and lasted little more than 1 inning. Derek Lowe came in, and pitched the 2nd and 3rd. Boston tied the game at 8 in the top of the 4th, and in the bottom of the 4th, Pedro came in. He proceeded to pitch the rest of the game, 6 innings, 0 hits, 0 runs, 3 bb's and 8 k's. Boston went on to win the game.

Now, I know that was 7 years ago, but lets go back to 2004. Boston is playing the Yanks. The Yanks are in the midst of the GREATEST CHOKE OF ALL TIME. After pitching well in games 2 and 5, during Game 7, with the Sox up big, Pedro asks in, at Yankee Stadium, where he is sure to be greeted with "Who's Your Daddy Chants". Now, he did not pitch great, giving up 2 runs in 1 inning of work, but the fact is that his team needed him, given the extra inning games that had depleted the Boston pen, and he took the ball. That's the type of guy he is.

Was I worried when I saw his reaction on Friday, a little. But at the same time, I understand it. He is a prideful man, who wanted nothing more I am sure, to be the man who pitched the clincher. He felt he let his team and the fans down, and he was upset that he was not where he wanted to be. Last night, he made progress. Wednesday, against Atlanta, he will make some more. Then, on October 3rd or 4th, he will give everything he has for his team and the fans.


JETS PREVIEW

Gang Green head up to the tundra in Buffalo Sunday. This will mark Chad's first game there since his first shoulder injury. It will be interesting to see how he performs in the rain and the wind, especially if Coles (calf injury) cannot go. The lack of a running game will hurt them badly if they can't get it going. The defense needs to keep Willis McGahee in check, which has not been easy the past few times these two teams have met. Stopping him will allow J.P. Losman to lose the game for the Bills. Buffalo is favored by 5 1/2. Now, I don't bet on the Jets (one of the lessons Dad taught me), but if I did, I would take them this week. I think the running game will get going, and the defense is going to stop McGahee. The running game will be key. Time to get moving guys.