Mets Need Not Respect This Elder

[G-Fafif]

Per "Love, Actually," I hate Uncle Jamie! Moyer, that is, as long as he's pitching for the Philths and against us. But as the last man standing as an active major leaguer who can call me kid (by 43 days), I kind of hope he hangs on for a few more decades (sucks, but hangs on). Anyway, Mark Simon of ESPN New York explores how the Mets have done against pitchers in their forties here.

Moyer's start will mark the 337th time that a 40-plus-year-old pitcher has faced them, either as a starter, or in relief. The combined totals: In 1,019 innings, they've managed a very respectable 3.65 ERA, and the Mets have hit just .257 against them. Thirty different pitchers have beaten the Mets after turning 40 years old, and it's a pretty good club: One that includes Nolan Ryan, Gaylord Perry, Greg Maddux, and Tom Glavine. But Moyer is one step away from the top rung. Since turning 40, he's beaten the Mets six times, the same number as Hall of Famer Phil Niekro. The only 40-plus pitcher to beat the Mets more -- Warren Spahn, with seven wins. There's a flip side to that as well, likely of greater significance to Mets fans. The Mets have beaten 30 different 40-year-old pitchers, a list whose names include Roger Clemens, Don Sutton and Niekro. Moyer's one step away from the top there as well. Since turning 40, Moyer has lost to the Mets four times, the same number as Niekro and Spahn. The only 40-plus pitcher to lose to the Mets more -- Randy Johnson, five times.

[nymr83]

G-Fafif wrote: Since turning 40, Moyer has lost to the Mets four times, the same number as Niekro and Spahn. The only 40-plus pitcher to lose to the Mets more -- Randy Johnson, five times.

[Ceetar]

I don't have the "kid" problem. Although the Mets "core" is younger than me. I just hope they make Moyer look his age. Given Kendrick and that they were afraid to pitch Figgy, I suspect Moyer will at least stick out the year for ya.