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Queens We Have a Problem: Mets Have Major Pitching Issues

So far this season, the New York Mets have shown they can score runs. The problem is, they have also shown they are going to give up a ton of runs as well. New York is currently 4-9, losers of five straight entering Friday’s contest with division rival Atlanta.

For the most part, pitching is to blame for the teams’ struggles so far. Sure, at times the bats go to sleep or players make fielding mistakes, but generally it has been bad pitching costing the Mets. Of the 14 pitchers that have stepped on the mound for the Mets this season, eight have ERA’s over 4.00.

The starting rotation, already without Johan Santana, has seen most of it’s other starters struggle at times. Mike Pelfrey has given up 16 runs (14 earned) in 11.2 innings so far. He did however pitch better in his last outing. New York desperately needs Pelfrey to be a solid contributor this season.

Jonathan Niese os 0-2 in three starts with a 6.88 ERA. He has given up 13 runs and 19 hits in 17 innings. Chris Capuano has made two starts and one relief appearance. The first yaer Met has given up 12 runs and 18 hits in 12.1 innings and sports a 8.76 ERA.

R.A. Dickey, who started the Mets home opener this season, had pitched well until struggling in his last start, against Colorado. On the season, the knuckleballer has a 4.15 ERA in a team high 17.1 innings. He has given up eight earned runs and 19 hits so far. Walks have also been an issue with Dickey so far as he has walked 12 batters.

First year Met, Chris Young looked excellent in his first two starts this season. Young is 1-0 with a 1.46 ERA. He has struck out 12 in 12.1 innings while giving up a total of just two runs on six hits. Young is attempting to revive his career after suffering through injuries when he was a member of the San Diego Padres. He had to have surgery to repair his right shoulder.

Young had his latest start pushed back by the Mets due to bicep tendinitis. The issue developed after Young’s first start of the season. A healthy Young would tremendously improve the Mets staff.

New York has given up a major league high 78 runs so far this season. The starting rotation is not the only area of concern. The bullpen has been horrendous at times this season. The Mets have squandered leads many times already this year.

Bobby Parnell, Tim Byrdak, D.J. Carrasco, and Blaine Boyer have all struggled. Carrasco, who is making a spot start tonight for the Mets has appeared in six games out of the bullpen. He has a 4.05 ERA after giving up seven hits, three runs, and three walks in 6.2 innings.

Parnell, Byrdak, and Boyer sport ERA’s of 9.00, 7.20, and 10.80 respectively. This is not the type of performance the Mets had hoped for from the bullpen. We knew entering the season the Mets ‘pen’ would not be one of the leagues best. However, being one of the worst was not expected either.

In baseball, scoring runs is entertaining and does help, but pitching is the name of the game. Mets manager Terry Collins and his staff must figure out how to get these pitchers straightened out. This Mets team is a talented group and do have enough to be a competitive team.

With that said, if the pitching does not drastically improve, New York will continue to stay in the cellar of the National League East.

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