The X Factor

I decided that Mike Pelfrey is the X Factor of 2010. We're all too familiar with Big Pelf's compulsive behavior on the mound - talking to himself, licking his hand, and those damn "yips". The guy was a basket case last season. He was supposed to make progress and instead it felt like he took three steps backwards. So, here is why Pelfrey is my X Factor: in 2008, he pitched 200 innings and posted a 13-11 record (and that was with a bullpen that easily blew twice as many games as it saved) with an ERA of 3.72.

Now, don't get me wrong - he's got a lot of work to do to overcome last season. His stats from last season don't tell his whole story (10-12, 5.03 ERA) because although those numbers aren't terrible, he entered into "unwatchable" territory. His antics on the mound became so ridiculous and all consuming, that I believe he really did just lose sight of what he was supposed to do. My hope is that with Reyes returning to the field, the improved defense will give Pelfrey more confidence in his sinker. It becomes much easier to pitch when you don't have one part of your mind focused on the "what ifs" of poor defense.

Pelfrey has the ability to swing this rotation. We've seen what he is capable of, and we need him to become that pitcher again. And I still think he should make an appointment with Greinke's psychiatrist, just to be safe.