Trax turns it up
June 21, 2006:
Pedro Martinez and Tom Glavine have established themselves as the Mets’ co-aces at the top of the rotation. Cuban defectors Alay Soler and Orlando Hernandez have probably been the team’s best two starters over the last month.
And down on the farm, top draft pick Mike Pelfrey (3-1, 2.48 ERA; 61 Ks, 54 IP) is overwhelming Double-A hitters. The 6’7" hurler throws in the mid-90s for an organization that desperately needs a power arm to start at the big league level.
Faced with the threat of becoming the odd man out, up-and-down Steve Trachsel could have been nicknamed "Even Steven" based on his performance last night, limiting the Cincinnati Reds to two runs over six innings to advance to 5-4 on the year.
The 35-year-old hurler even launched the third homerun of his career.
Embarking on his sixth year with the team, Trax is the most senior Met in the clubhouse. Still, he may be pitching for his future with the team.
GM Omar Minaya is said to be searching other major league rosters for a starter… preferably not another soft-tosser. And he may have one banging at the door to the major leagues in Pelfrey.
If Trax wants to stick around for the home stretch, he’s going to have to step it up some, and last night was a good start.
The X-Man returns
In case he’s been forgotten during the team’s historic 9-1 roadtrip, rightfielder Xavier Nady jacked two homeruns last night, his tenth and eleventh on the season. The X-Man has got some pop. When Cliff Floyd gets off the DL, Willie Randolph will have to make a decision about Lastings Milledge. Barring a trade, the guess is Milledge goes back to Triple-A.
Thanks Yanks
The Yankees beat the Phillies last night, meaning the Mets’ lead over their closest rival is back to 9 1/2 games.
Tonight
Willie Ball 