There have been a lot of positive signs with Mike Pelfrey so far this year. His diversified repertoire and composure on the mound are the two obvious ones that stand out. This year, however, it appears he not only just takes the ball, but wants it. I’m not sure that was always the case in prior years.
I use to say that Pelfrey’s lack of confidence showed during his clumsy postgame interviews. He always seemed to be just as confused what to say after another battle on the mound, mostly against himself. A 95 mph fastball is never enough when you are in the big leagues. There were points last year that the “yips” were on the verge of setting him back, ultimately forcing me to question if he was a starter that could be relied on 35 times a year.
There are many reasons why Pelfrey is bringing it all together. I am sure visiting renowned sports psychologist Harvey Dorfman has helped. For me, wanting the ball in last night’s 20 inning marathon symbolizes the new maturity and intelligent determination of Pelfrey.
Remember, just 48 hours earlier he threw 109 pitches. Hours before the 20th inning he threw another 70 on the side, plus 20 in the bullpen. He wasn’t perfect, as his command was off, but he grinded through that 20th inning. There was plenty of opportunity to meltdown and he composed himself to get the job done. Furthermore, how many young pitches would extend themselves to the tune of 200 pitches over two days? Lets be fair, this wasn’t the easiest task to accomplish. The combination of composure and determination was absent most, if not all, of Pelfrey’s big league career to date.
There was plenty of concerning aspects of last night’s 20 inning game, but Mike Pelfrey’s performance, for the second time this week, was my #1 positive take away.
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