The Stopper

What we have been hearing since the Johan trade is that he's a stopper. He can prevent a prolonged losing streak by picking up key victories. Apparently, we had a guy like that all along.

For the second time this season, Big Pelf has stepped up to stop a losing streak, right when it seemed like the fans were about to go over the edge. His last start was the first of a three-game winning streak, after dropping three straight to the Braves and Phillies. Now, with words like lackluster and disappointing being the predominant adjectives to describe the start of the Mets season, Pelf steps up again and gets a win.

Now, we had all heard what "they" were saying about him. Never going to be a #1 starter. Doesn't have the mental toughness. Might have what it takes to be a solid middle reliever. Doesn't have the killer instinct.

Well guess what. Maybe "they" were wrong. Maybe Big Pelf does have what it takes. He's proven it in this young season, holding the Phillies to two runs and throwing seven shutout innings against Washington, ending losing streaks both times. We'll see how his season pans out, but he makes me want to believe.

But we might want to keep that Johan around, just in case.

P.S. Welcome back Dirty.