“Toward the evening of his career…”

Jerry Manuel had some interesting comments, during SNY’s pre-game coverage last night, acknowledging what others have been afraid to admit. "Pedro's not in the morning of his career," said Manuel. "He's toward the evening of his career, and we have to be careful with him. We have to make sure the sun doesn't set. Just have to make sure we keep it right there about 5 o'clock."

This season, Pedro has 5 starts and has pitched only 24 and 2/3 innings, an unacceptable less than 5 innings per start (putting a strain on the bullpen), allowing an enormous 36 hits, and 18 earned runs. His ERA is 6.57. On the bright side, he’s struck out 17, and walked 6, a great strikeout to walk ratio, as well as a solid walks to innings pitched ratio.

Since the start of the 2007 season, Pedro is 5-2, with only 10 starts (his numerous injuries have made him an unreliable risk), 52 and 2/3 innings pitched (not enough to give the bullpen a rest), an alarming 69 hits, and 26 earned runs, for an ERA of 4.44. On the bright side, he’s struck out 49, and walked 13, a great strikeout to walk ratio, as well as a solid walks to innings pitched ratio. His strikeouts to innings pitched ratio is also excellent.

Pedro is wildly popular, for putting the Mets back on the map in 2005, when he pitched beautifully, and all of his 2005 starts were treated like events, with Pedro achieving rock star status, at Shea. His signing also eased the way for the Mets to sign Beltran, Wagner, Fernando Martinez, and bench players, who wanted to be part of a team, perceived to have a chance to reach the postseason. He is also a clubhouse leader, media-friendly, and very popular with the fans.

However, the Mets need to learn from their adoration of over-the-hill players, whose skills are in decline. Ride the wave, and appreciate Pedro while he’s still in a Met uniform. But, after the season ends, the Mets need to thank him for what he’s done, and let him move on. He’s clearly not the same player, pitching with brains and experience, and whatever’s left physically. The Mets need to get younger, more athletic, and less injury-prone. Pedro is one of numerous Mets who should not be on next year’s team.