With one more expected start to go, Chris Capuano will accomplish something no one ever thought possible at the beginning of the season: Make more than 30 stars and finish the season healthy.
That in of itself is a major accomplishment.
However, Capuano has been like most of the other Mets’ pitchers these days: inconsistent and undependable.
In his last 10 starts, Capuano has only registered three quality outings (although his two-hit shutout was something to behold). For the season, Capuano is 11-12 with a so-so 4.55 ERA and a decent 1.36 WHIP.
What Capuano has been, besides being mind-bogglingly durable, is great value for the buck. Sandy Alderson took a flier on Capuano in the offseason and basically brought him off the scrap heap (along with Chris Young-who did not work out).
Last winter Capuano was signed to a one-year deal worth $1.5 million with incentives. Thus far, Capuano has achieved most incentives and has earned an additional $1.2 million. You can’t argue that Capuano hasn’t given the Mets great bang for their buck.
But, aside from his reliability this season, can you really label Capuano’s season a good one?
While Capuano is line for 31 starts, he hasn’t been able to eat too many innings this year. Capuano has amassed 180 innings pitched thus far. That is not enough innings for 30 starts. I get the fact that you wanted to protect him from another injury, but those limited innings have had an adverse effect on the Mets, as they have had to go a bullpen a lot earlier than they would have preferred. And As I pointed out on Thursday, the results have been less than stellar. (Maybe I am splitting hairs here.)
Earlier this week, it was reported that the Boston Red Sox wanted to acquire Capuano, even though if they did he would not be able to make the postseason roster. That’s how desperate the Red Sox were to get into the playoffs. The Mets would eventually rebuff the Red Sox overtures.
Alderson would like to bring back Capuano for another year. He will still come relatively cheap and at this point, the Mets don’t really have any other better options.
Despite some results that are less than stellar, Capuano has proved he is durable and with a full season under his belt, he should only get better in 2012. Considering the circumstances that Capuano found himself in prior to the start of the season, he has persevered and made the most out of this season.
So, yeah, I would go ahead and call Capuano’s 2011 season a success.
Capuano’s season was a “personal” success because he recovered from injury, took the ball every fifth day and proved he was a major league starter. His avg of 6 IP per start, and 1.36 WHIP is very avg for a NL starter but his ERA is .5 runs more than than the avg. starter (.455 to .395). I think Santana can put up at least Capuano #’s in 2012.Gee and Pelfry are equal or better so where does he fit in if Chris only wants to start? If the Mets have the money (I can’t believe I have to preface every opinion with this disclaimer) then of course sign him cheap because you never have enough pitching. I would prefer an upgrade to a better starting pitcher if the Mets had the money. (why don’t the Wilponzie’s just sell the team)