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MLB Exec Says Pelfrey Could be Weaver
Topic Started: Mar 22 2007, 08:11 AM (73 Views)
MSUMet85
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FIVE ALIVE
PELFREY HAS GOOD SHOT AT ROTATION
By MARK HALE
SPEED DEMON: Jose Reyes steals second base as Dodger second baseman Ramon Martinez comes up with the ball during the first inning of last night's 6-2 Met victory. Reyes was 3-for-3 with three stolen bases.
SPEED DEMON: Jose Reyes steals second base as Dodger second baseman Ramon Martinez comes up with the ball during the first inning of last night's 6-2 Met victory. Reyes was 3-for-3 with three stolen bases.
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March 22, 2007 -- VERO BEACH, Fla. - Paul Lo Duca said he believes Mike Pelfrey's trail to being an elite pitcher might not be a very long one.

"He's very, very close to being really dominant," the Mets catcher said yesterday. "I think he's on his way."

Players who caught, faced and watched Pelfrey during the Mets' 6-1 victory over the Orioles Tuesday night at Tradition Field all complimented the 23-year-old right-hander's performance. Pelfrey issued a one-run, five-inning effort against the Orioles.

Pelfrey, the Mets' top pitching prospect, has become the leading contender for the fifth spot in the rotation. Pelfrey, a former No. 1 draft pick, has given up two earned runs in 14 innings in his four outings this spring.

One major-league team executive, who watched Pelfrey pitch Tuesday, said he could have a solid season. "He's got more than enough stuff. He could be Jered Weaver of last year."

That would be a major achievement for Pelfrey. Weaver - Jeff's younger brother and the Angels' 24-year-old right-hander - went 11-2 with a 2.56 ERA in 19 starts for Los Angeles last season. Weaver was drafted one year before Pelfrey.

"You like everything you see about him," the executive said of Pelfrey.

The Orioles certainly seemed impressed. Carlos Delgado, playing first base in the game while Pelfrey was on the mound, said when a couple Baltimore hitters reached first base, they told Delgado good things about Pelfrey. Delgado said, "I think Aubrey Huff said that he threw hard and his ball had like late life." Delgado said Huff's praise was unprompted.

Pelfrey has issued one walk this spring, and Tuesday he didn't walk anybody. He gave up seven hits and has given up 17 hits in his 14 innings, striking out three.

The executive said he was impressed with Pelfrey's performance and disposition after he put Orioles on base. Despite putting two runners on in the third and fifth, Pelfrey didn't give up a run. His only run allowed came in the first inning on two hits.

The main question with Pelfrey is if he is ready to be a 30-start pitcher on a contending team after making four major-league starts last season.

"That's always one of those questions that I'm sure the Mets are asking themselves," said one National League team official who saw Pelfrey Tuesday night. "But the only way to find out is to let him go do it."

Pelfrey hit 94 mph, and his slider and changeup are at the point, according to Lo Duca, "where he can throw 'em for a strike when he wants to."

The catcher said Pelfrey's changeup has improved. "[He] has made unbelievable strides from what it was last year."


This article makes me giddy :clap:
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