Pelf Struggles Kool-Aid: Now We Need a Trade

There is no Kool-Aid to deny, Mike Pelfrey is struggling right now, and last night's performance was a big exclamation point on that statement.  Pelfrey only lasted 1.1 innings last night against a terrible Arizona Diamondbacks team giving up 6 earned runs on 7 hits and seeing his season ERA head above 4 for the first time this season.  Earlier this season, we considered Pelf the New York Mets' ace at times, but without lasting longer than 4.2 innings in 4 consecutive starts and an era above 6 during that time, it's time for a team that's going to be on the bubble for the playoffs to make a move.  If the Mets make a move, it could be the bright side of this whole Pelfrey fall from grace.

Between his second half performances of past seasons and his recent starts, Johan Santana has shown he's ready for a great second half of 2010.  RA Dickey and Jon Niese have continued to be consistent pieces in the rotation, but can't realistically or fairly be considered #2 starters.  Pelf is the #2 right now and we've seen his potential to have that spot, but inconsistency is not something a playoff team can afford out of their 2 spot in the rotation.  Plus the luster of Hisanori Takahashi in the 5 spot has worn away long ago.  This is a rotation dynamic now begging for a trade.  Even with Cliff Lee out of the picture, the Mets have plenty of options and a true #2 pitcher would put some completion on this rotation.  Moving everyone back one spot in the rotation (aside from Johan) puts everyone in a spot they can achieve without having to overachieve.  (Anyone even thinking about Ollie Perez for this role at this point should just stop reading and put down their glass of Kool-Aid, you've drank too much).

Pushing everyone back in the rotation a spot not only allows the Mets to be in a better position by inserting a good arm in their rotation, but it can help the other pitchers too, especially Mike Pelfrey.  From sports psychologists to balking issues, we saw a lot of 2009 get into Mike Pelfrey's head.  Judging from last night's game, he's in his own head again.  Pushing Pelf back one slot in the rotation and putting a veteran who can carry some of the load in front of him will take that much pressure off Mike.  We saw earlier this season that Pelfrey can pitch at a high level and all that time, everyone talked about his new confidence.  This is a way to get some of that confidence back.

We've done articles on the Mets' win streaks this season and how they've often required excellent pitching to spark a streak.  The same will apply in the second half of the season and if the Mets want any chance at the playoffs.  Mike Pelfrey may be struggling now, but this may be a saving grace as Omar and the Wilpons won't have a leg to stand on if a good move isn't made by the deadline in the next couple weeks.  Pelf is not a legitimate #2 now and it's up to the Mets to get one.  Let's hope they do, that acquisition works out, and Pelf rights the personal ship.  There's only one way to find out - make that trade.  If you ask me, it's only a matter of days.  Drink it up.