Pedro has to be better
The next 2 weeks will tell the Pedro Martinez story.
Pedro has to be better
Rich Hofmann, Daily News Sports Columnist
Once they acquired Pedro Martinez, the Phillies owed it to themselves to find out. Once that was established, they owed it to the team to adjust the starting rotation in the manner that best allowed the team to win -- which meant that Jamie Moyer was the odd man out. Most everybody seems to agree with that.
But it's funny. The expectations on Martinez seem so low that 3 earned runs in 5 innings is seen by most people as swell, even though 3 earned runs in 5 innings is just what Moyer was giving them, and just what saddled him with the worst ERA among qualified starting pitchers in the National League.
Pedro's ERA: 5.40.
Jamie's ERA: 5.47.
All of which means that Pedro has to be better or this makes no sense.
We should know in about 2 weeks, about two or three more starts. Because there were things to like about Martinez, particularly the fastball that had more life than expected. If he can sustain that, the Phillies might have something here -- and that is the biggest question. Martinez struggled a lot with his command on Wednesday night against the Cubs, but you have to think that has a decent chance of straightening itself out with more work.
The problem isn't the 3 earned runs -- it's the 5 innings. They need to get Martinez to a point where he can give them 6 innings consistently, 6 innings or more. The pattern in his brief Phillies career, in the minors and the majors, has been established. First time: four good innings, tired in the fifth and allows some runs. Next time: five good innings, tired in the sixth and allows some runs. Wednesday: four good innings, tired in the fifth and allows some runs.
The pattern needs to be broken, obviously. The good thing is that Martinez says he feels completely healthy -- and, again, that the fastball is starting in a good place. But if he cannot break the pattern, if he cannot get them through 6 innings in good order, there will need to be a decision made. Because it does need to be better than Wednesday night.
You fool. Yes, he pitched 5 innings, but he threw 99 pitches. He is coming off of surgery and hasn't pitched in a year, but I guess we should expect a complete game shutout? He showed great signs IMO. Fastball hitting 92 mph with good movement. He was throwing too many pitches over the middle of the plate, but he was also given a huge lead. His command will also return as he settles down. Moyer is done.— Philsin08- Jim G you stole my thunder, well said. Anyone who watched Pedro's stuff last night it was electric compared to Jamie Moyer. Look I have a lot of respect for Jamie Moyer, I think we all do, he is just too reliant on things out of his control. He doesn't get batters out as much as he relies on them getting themselves out(Marlins anyone). If Jamie runs into a patient squad or he gets an umpire who isn't giving him the outer black; he's done. He is more reliant on run support than practically any pitcher in baseball. Pedro struggled from the stretch(he would be the first to admit it); he fell behind some batters. But he battled & still knows how to pitch(Jamie does to; but) & has the stuff to get batters out. I'm a little concerned that he won't be able to replicate that first game adrenaline but am hoping that as his arm strength & his arm gets stretched out fully it will compensate for any loss. I think that Ruiz and Pedro struggled a bit last night; that's to be expected. If your argument against is Pedro gives you the same era in the first start as Jamie has been giving you I feel it's a week argument. When were the Phillies going to find out if Pedro has the stuff. I also respect the Phillies new attitude in year's back they would have kept dragging out that weak 5th starter ala Adam Eaton.— phillysportsfan88
- Best Hofmann article ever.
- Another Philly writer who never put a uniform on. Pedro isn't in baseball shape yet, still he showed flashes of the great pitcher he once was. It's like somebody said, this is like ST for him. He also had to sit for like a 1/2 hour during that inning explosion that messed up his rhythm. Although his command wasn't there, he made pitches when he had to. Then when he got the big lead, he concentrated in just throwing strikes, not necessarily in the cat-and-mouse game that is his forte. The important thing is that he looks healthy and he’s throwing hard. If he can keep that up, everything will fall into place.— EL Zorro
- A realistic outlook always seems to come across as negative. Why is that?— curtandsheila
- Yeah, and if Lee loses today, he has to do better, geniuses.— EL Zorro
- Agree with the other posters that you don't get it Rich. Moyer was never going to get any better. Pedro has much more upside. Saying this move will make no sense if Pedro doesn't improve completely ignores this fact.— cnphilly
Comment removed.- Put a fork in Jamie; he's done. At least Pedro gives me hope-he's got some stuff left. Jamie has nothing. I respect him an incredible amount, but I don't want him on the mound. I'm all Pedro.— PhillyPhan123
- Rich, I was thinking the same thing last night. They were up 12-1 and she started to get third and gave up runs and couldn't get past the fifth. He need to pitch seven or eight inning with that lead. Again, I think Pedro would be great as a setup or closer in the bullpen.— 76er
- People are getting too caught up in the "3 earned over 5 IP" thing. His stuff was twice as good as anything I've seen from Moyer in the last month. He's younger, more rested, and has better stuff. He'll get better.— Stairs08
- Mrs Rich Moyer strikes again— 18main
- apparently since they're paying him, he felt he had to write something. pointless article though. 1 start. what's next, article that says "Cliff Lee won't be win every game and may someday allow more than a run" ?— Brainiac
- Give me a break Mr. Hoffman. He gave up 3 runs over 5 innings, so what... You had to anticipate that there was going to be some rust and stamina issues. This is the guys first start in a year. Now tell me, whats Moyer's excuse. Give it a 3 or 4 starts, he it doesnt pan out Jamie will be there and nothing will be lost.— RAHSAAM
- We are better off with Martinez than with Moyer at this point. More upsdide, especially with a more legit fastball.— socalken
