The good news is Mets fans don’t have to pull their hair out watching Mike Pelfrey pitch for the rest of the year. The bad news is what the options to replace him are.
The Mets starting pitching depth has been severely tested since Mike Pelfrey blew out his arm and had Tommy John surgery. The first man up to replace him was Chris Schwinden, a second year pitcher with little upside. Right now he is the smartest choice for the job, but after getting lit up in his first start he is on thin ice.
There are no options in free agency since all viable pitchers have been long gone. It is also too early in the season to pursue trades because everyone still thinks they have a chance to make the playoffs. The only option is to promote from within the organization and the question is who should the team promote?
Chris Schwinden was the clear first choice. However, he lacks upside and if he struggles, there is no point to have him pitch. There are a few lower tier prospects the Mets could call up like Robert Carson or Colin McHugh. It would be nice to find out what type of major leaguers they could become. Both players however have limited ceilings and may not be ready for the show.
The best options would be Matt Harvey or Jeurys Familia. The only argument against either coming up from the minors is if they are ready for the show. If the answer is yes, there should be no hesitation to call one of them up. They are two of the top three prospects in the organization, and both have massive upside.
It is important to see what the Mets have in both, especially Familia who many think fits better in the bullpen. There is no question both pitchers have the stuff to be very good pitchers right now, but the problem is do they had enough seasoning in the minor leagues. Many would argue against starting their service time clock in a season where the Mets probably won’t contend. However in this day and age of baseball, players aren’t making it to free agency. If you’re a good young player, then you’re going to get a long term deal very early, like Jon Niese, Evan Longoria, Carlos Santana and many others.
Both pitchers would need to string together a few good starts in the minors to warrant a call-up. They have both had slow starts this year but have improved somewhat in their last couple of starts, so I think that is worth the risk to call-up either pitcher if Schwinden struggles.
Or rather Wright?!? } – 
44 comments
NJstuckinTX
5/2/2012-8:35am at 8:35 am (UTC -4)
I wouldn’t have much issue if Harvey was brought up. Familia is much too erratic at this point. Maybe Gorski could get a nod.
Honestly, without throwing in the towel yet, the realistic view is that this is a transition year. Let the kids get reps, let’s see Wright extended, let’s see Murph (hurts typing this) traded for a minor league catcher, with the possibility of FFrankie/Rauch traded as well, let’s see Parnell upgrade his cup size and take the closer’s spot… Will all this happen, probably not, but I can certainly see more of this happening than less.
Also, I really want to see both Duda and Ike show that they can (at the least) be average MLB players and then see Havens make the jump up in June/July. That would be ideal for the start of the following year. Even with just picking up Wright’s option, you would only have the C and one outfield spot to fill once Bay is dropped like the sub par player he is. I say C, because I’m still not impressed with Thole.
And to circle round about back to my original sentence about Harvey, getting him some reps and more than just a couple September starts would be good in his development to take his SP spot next year. Santana, Dickey, Niese, Harvey, Gee with Familia or a FA pickup ready to battle it out for Gee’s spot would be where I want this team to be.
srt
5/2/2012-8:47am at 8:47 am (UTC -4)
I more or less agree with you on this.
I don’t think Familia is ready, for the reason you stated.
Gorski is intriguing but not sure he is ready either.
Of all the arms down there I think Harvey might be the closest to be ready but a mid May callup? Only if they’re doing it less out of desperation and more from the standpoint of they believe he can hold his own up here.
Regarding FF/Rauch, I’m willing to bet one of them is traded. Not sure both will go.
I’m more than warming up to the idea now of Havens finally putting it all together and taking over at 2nd. If yes, then trade Murphy. There’s no room for him then. Like to see a catcher or near catching prospect come back in any trade we make mid season.
There might be some pitchers on the market June 1st who might come cheap. Any ML pitcher with at least 6 years who signed a minor league contract and is still in the minors come that date can opt out of the contract.
Stick
5/2/2012-9:01am at 9:01 am (UTC -4)
I’m glad I have some passengers on my “trade Murphy if Havens can stay on the field for 2 months) bandwagon. I think he is pretty much what you are going to get, and if he can bring back some good talent, you make the move, and look to upgrade 2B D with a bat that has upside too.
Plus, I have always liked Havens!
trs86
5/2/2012-9:04am at 9:04 am (UTC -4)
That might happen much later in the year but looking at last nights lineup minus Murphy and Duda wasn’t pretty even if Duda isn’t lighting it up.
Prismo
5/2/2012-9:19am at 9:19 am (UTC -4)
But…Turner went 1-3 with a double and a walk in place of Murphy. You expect more from Murph?
Stick
5/2/2012-9:26am at 9:26 am (UTC -4)
I am assuming the Havens will hit, so that you won’t be seeing some major dopr-off in production from that position.
I agree that without Duda you have a serious hole in the line up though.
trs86
5/2/2012-9:32am at 9:32 am (UTC -4)
No I expect Turner to be on the bench and when we needed a RH pinch hitter not have to go with a Duda that has the flu.
Stick
5/2/2012-10:23am at 10:23 am (UTC -4)
this team is very lefty heavy, isn’t it?
I wonder if we’ll be seeing Vinny Rotino soon, as a RH bat and BU catcher? Though I don’t see them replacing baxter, and they kind of need a BU MI (and I don’t know as if he plays SS!) besides Turner.
trs86
5/2/2012-10:30am at 10:30 am (UTC -4)
Honestly he should be up for Jordanny as is. We can get by without a true backup SS for now.
Stick
5/2/2012-10:53am at 10:53 am (UTC -4)
I can agree with that. Turner can cover SS. the problem is, he is the only guy that can play MI, right? Or does Hairston or Rotinno have the ability to stand over at 2B in an emergency?
trs86
5/2/2012-10:58am at 10:58 am (UTC -4)
I think that Hairston was a 2B when he came up, it’s been a while though. Still in an emergency he would know what to do.
srt
5/2/2012-11:09am at 11:09 am (UTC -4)
I believe Hairston played 2nd base in one or two games last year
Have no idea about Rotino.
I’m seeing tweets that Nickeas will be available tonight (kind of surprised) and Duda may start as well. If Duda starts tonight, Terry said Kirk sits.
Stick
5/2/2012-9:00am at 9:00 am (UTC -4)
I’m pretty much with Tex and MF. Familia is not even close enough to ready to be on the radar. harvey? Wold like to see him get more time to really get things nailed down, so when he comes up, it is for good.
The guy I would like to see is Gorski. Just a gut feeling that he is ready/polished enough to be worth taking the shot, and let him finish developing here. he has control, and that is the thing they need to get in the minors.
what will happen? Schwinden for 1 more, then Hefner will get some starts, and Young if he is ready in June.
If another SP goes down, it will get ugly. So hopefully Gorski is ready!
Harvey probably up in August maybe?
trs86
5/2/2012-9:03am at 9:03 am (UTC -4)
Yup, I agree. We will see Harvey some time after the ASB.
trs86
5/2/2012-9:02am at 9:02 am (UTC -4)
You still have Young in the minors getting ready so I don’t expect them to sign a decent FA pitcher or bring up the young kids until they see what he is able to do. So for now you see Schwindy, Hefner and maybe guys like Gorksi. No Harvey or Familia for you… yet.
SaltyGary
5/2/2012-9:14am at 9:14 am (UTC -4)
I don’t want to see Harvey or Familia until after the ASB. They need plenty more seasoning.
There are trades that can be had or acquisitions. They are for older scrap heap pitchers, but they can be had. Guys like Aaron Cook have the right to opt out of their miner league contract. Show them a MLB opportunity, and I bet some will come running.
Also I am all for trading Murph but to Stucks point about getting a backup catcher, I think we could get more than that don’t you?
Stick
5/2/2012-9:28am at 9:28 am (UTC -4)
I was looking at it as murphy for pitching mose likely. But, a good catching prospect is sorely needed too.
NJstuckinTX
5/2/2012-11:41am at 11:41 am (UTC -4)
Well, until he starts making a case with some more doubles and a HR or two, Murph is a contact hitter without a position. Murph alone isn’t bringing back a large haul, I’m afraid.
billyboy
5/2/2012-9:16am at 9:16 am (UTC -4)
Are all of you people crazy ? The Mets so called kids aren’t really all that promising at this point specifically Familla and Harvey. You bring up these kinds of players in august to se if they can mesh,unless they are tearing it up in AAA. Even when they get called up there is going to be heavy innings limitations set on both these guys.Face it this team is what it is good bad or ugly
Paul
5/2/2012-11:14am at 11:14 am (UTC -4)
Jeurys Familia isn’t close to being ready – he’s got amazing stuff, but until he works out his command & control issues, he’s not going to succeed at the major league level.
Matt Harvey has all of 31 pro starts under his belt, and his Triple-A numbers don’t exactly scream “promote me now.”
If Sandy Alderson is smart, the Mets will get by with Chris Schwinden or Jeremy Hefner until Chris Young is ready to pitch. Harvey and Familia will hopefully deserve a September call-up, but I don’t want to see them until they’re ready.
trs86
5/2/2012-11:54am at 11:54 am (UTC -4)
Agreed.
kingman 26
5/2/2012-12:36pm at 12:36 pm (UTC -4)
Bringing up Harvey now would be ludicrous and Omarian.
He’s had 17 starts above A ball, and just a handful of good starts above A ball.
There’s no chance they bring him up before maybe July and it would be utterly irresponsible to. They are trying to build a foundation, not win best record by June 1.
Familia? 22 starts above A ball and less than impressive stats this year overall. He’s most definitely not even arguably ready.
Neither of these guys are ready and neither should be rushed.
And not only are trades an option, but Chris Young is working his way back and ROY HARVEY OSWALT lurks out there on the grassy knoll just waiting to be signed.
NJstuckinTX
5/2/2012-12:56pm at 12:56 pm (UTC -4)
Harvey… Oswalt would be a fantastic fit, but I fear his southern blood is too Gray for the Blue North.
Stick
5/2/2012-1:05pm at 1:05 pm (UTC -4)
what is going on with him anyway? I never hear him mentioned in any context. Is he hurt, or just semi-retired, waiting for some team to panic and offer big money for part-time work?
If the later, then i hope he is working hard to be in pitching shape!
trs86
5/2/2012-1:12pm at 1:12 pm (UTC -4)
Well he did pitch in Philly? Perhaps he is just waiting on hunting season to end?
NJstuckinTX
5/2/2012-1:58pm at 1:58 pm (UTC -4)
He took the only lifeboat out of the Sinking Ship that was Houston. Plus that was a potential WS Winner. Going even more north (not much, i know) to go a non-potential WS Winner… Me thinks this be a stretch.
trs86
5/2/2012-2:07pm at 2:07 pm (UTC -4)
Of course it is a stretch and honestly I doubt the Mets are even interested. Maybe they sign him and then tell him if they are out of it at the all-star break they will trade him to an approved list of teams?
NJstuckinTX
5/2/2012-2:20pm at 2:20 pm (UTC -4)
Now that would be some out of the box (but totally awesome). I think I read he’d take about 3 weeks plus to hit the rotation, once signed.
Daniel Stein-Sayles
5/2/2012-2:44pm at 2:44 pm (UTC -4)
Kingman, you make good points regarding Harvey, Familia and especially Chris Young. Young would be ideal to fill in right now. A trade for even a low level pitcher would cost way too much this early in the season, and what prospects would the Mets want to give up for a fill in 5th starter? In terms of Oswalt, he would cost money the Mets probably don’t have and there is no way he would come to the Mets. A team not expected to come close to the playoffs when numerous pitching deprived contenders come knocking the Mets wouldn’t even get a foot in the door.
kingman 26
5/2/2012-7:01pm at 7:01 pm (UTC -4)
Thanks man. Believe me, I want this team to win as much as anyone, but I remember the thrashing of prospects from Tim Leary to Mejia, so I am willing to be patient.
We cannot let the good start deceive us. This is still a flawed team a year or two or three away, and I am willing to wait for that great pitching staff to rival 1969 and 1986.
Mr North Jersey
5/2/2012-7:40pm at 7:40 pm (UTC -4)
“Omarian”
Ha! Don’t think I ever seen that choice of words before.
Stickguy
5/2/2012-7:52pm at 7:52 pm (UTC -4)
it’s positively omarlicius.
darknova306
5/2/2012-1:37pm at 1:37 pm (UTC -4)
Last I checked, promotion to the majors was done based on your on-field contributions, or pure desperation. Performance-wise, Familia and Harvey have done nothing to warrant being in the conversation about call-ups. The only reason they’re being discussed is because of their draft status and projected upside. Currently, they’re performing with varying levels of mediocrity. Until that changes and their performances start forcing the conversation, let’s just let them pitch.
Daniel Stein-Sayles
5/2/2012-2:35pm at 2:35 pm (UTC -4)
I would very much disagree that the two pitcher have done nothing. Both had very strong seasons last year, yes they haven’t performed to that level this year but that is why I’m advocating once their performance imroves to see what they can do.
darknova306
5/2/2012-5:30pm at 5:30 pm (UTC -4)
Until they’re above mediocre in AAA, they shouldn’t enter the conversation. Top prospects or not.
Stick
5/2/2012-3:51pm at 3:51 pm (UTC -4)
people in the dugout (if there are any mid-afternoon masochists) should be glad I can’t get to that through work network!
this game, not pretty.
Now please, send down schwinden and call up Hefner. and make manny (hell, take Batista) disappear too. Had enough of them.
time for fresh meat!
Bryan
5/2/2012-4:24pm at 4:24 pm (UTC -4)
How bout calling up Hefner as a bullpen reinforcement and then the next time you need a 5th starter bring up Collin McHugh. He’s a four-pitch pitcher with 120 innings in the upper levels and he’s rocking a 2.33 ERA in Binghamton with a WHIP barely above one and nearly a strikeout per inning.
Stickguy
5/2/2012-5:23pm at 5:23 pm (UTC -4)
I like gorski. Don’t really know what Mchugh brings to the table (stuff, etc.)
Bryan
5/2/2012-5:54pm at 5:54 pm (UTC -4)
McHugh has several average pitches but he knows how to use them and throws just barely hard enough. The results have been there for him all of last year and even more this year where as Schwinden tailed off late last year before getting called up in September.
Gorski actually has few innings above A-ball than both Harvey and Familia, although right now he has better control of his stuff than either of them so that might make him a better ML option at this point.
Stickguy
5/2/2012-6:18pm at 6:18 pm (UTC -4)
that is the reason I was touting Gorski. He is not young, and of the bunch, can be viewed as the most “finished” product, in that he is what he needs to be (and will be), so nothing really left to do in the minors.
Prismo
5/2/2012-4:36pm at 4:36 pm (UTC -4)
Mike Puma: ‘ML scout who recently saw Harvey pitch: “I’d call him up. He’d be the second or third best NYM starter right now.”‘
I’m not sure I agree, or that it’s even possible to compare a guy with no ML experience to Dickey or Santana. But regardless…it’s something just that people are TALKING about doing this.
Stickguy
5/2/2012-5:09pm at 5:09 pm (UTC -4)
give him a 1/2 year at least to get fully dialed in.
Bryan
5/2/2012-5:15pm at 5:15 pm (UTC -4)
I’m not sure I agree with that statement either. I would give him at least until the end of June before I seriously considered bringing him up. Even then I’d be hesitant unless he was going really good in Buffalo.
Stickguy
5/2/2012-5:22pm at 5:22 pm (UTC -4)
right. let him get it all together there, and settled into the routine. they certainly need someone now, but they need him for the next 5+ years. Besides, rushing him up increases the odds that the transition is bumpy, and if someone is going to be putting up crappy starts, better to be someone else!