Chase Pelfrey isn’t named for the field or the Utley

Mike Pelfrey made his first start in seven days last night for the Mets after the birth of his first child, Chase Pelfrey. He got roughed up to the tune of five earned runs in six innings of work. He surrendered eight hits, walked two and struck out five.

One would have thought for a player returning with a new son named Chase, making his first start in Chase Field would be some sort of magical destiny.

Just the opposite, in fact.

Brendan Bilko of Priced Out of the Citi notes that even though the Mets are 13-3 in Chase Field since 2005, Pelfrey is the losing pitcher in all three games. Bilko goes on to explain that Pelfrey is 0-3 with an ERA north of seven (7.16).

In 16 1-3 innings, Pelfrey has surrendered 20 hits and 13 earned runs. He’s also walked 10 batters, while only striking out seven. That’s good for a WHIP of 1.837.

Oh, and for those who are wondering, Chase Utley hits to the tune of .278 AVG / .381 OBP / .833 SLG against Pelfrey. In 21 plate appearances, Utley’s cranked three home runs off of Big Pelf.

But if you’ve been reading this blog, you know that Chase Pelfrey isn’t named for the field or the Utley, but rather for the pennant chase.

Well, he sure wasn’t born in to one.

Citi Field West

The Mets will take on the Arizona Diamondbacks in Chase Field tonight for the start of a three game series in the desert.  Reeling after dropping three of four to the San Diego Padres, the Mets are heading to a stadium that has shown them continued success over the years.

Opened in 1998, then known as Bank One Ballpark, the home to the Diamondbacks has been a home away from home.  Here is the Mets record, all-time, in BOB / Chase Field…

1998: 2-1 
1999: 1-2
2000: 2-1
2001: 1-2
2002: 2-1
2003: 1-2
2004: 2-2
2005: 4-0
2006: 4-0
2007: 3-1
2008: 2-1

The Mets are 24-13 overall, but since 2005 have gone 13-2 in Arizona.

Not only have the Mets won, but they’ve dominated the Diamondbacks in their home park.  Here’s the runs scored breakdown since ‘05…

2005: NYM 39 – ARI 7
2006: NYM 37 – ARI 9
2007: NYM 21- ARI 12
2008: NYM 16 – ARI 14

I used to call it “Shea Stadium West,” but now it’s time to christen it “Citi Field West.”

Shea Stadium West, Part 2

The other day I showed you the win-loss record the Mets hold at Chase Field in Arizona. Today, I'll show you how the offense has dominated in Phoenix since 2005, where they now hold a 12-1 record since that year.

Here's each game, and their scores:
8/22/05: NYM 4 -- ARI 1 -- W
8/23/05: NYM 14 -- ARI 1 -- W
8/24/05: NYM 18 -- ARI 4 -- W
8/25/05: NYM 3 -- ARI 1 -- W
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Total: NYM 39 -- ARI 7

6/08/06: NYM 7 -- ARI 1 -- W
6/09/06: NYM 10 -- ARI 6 -- W
6/10/06: NYM 5 -- ARI 0 -- W
6/11/06: NYM 15 -- ARI 2 -- W
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Total: NYM 37 -- ARI 9

5/03/07: NYM 9 -- ARI 4 -- W
5/04/07: NYM 5 -- ARI 3 -- W
5/05/07: NYM 6 -- ARI 2 -- W
5/06/07: NYM 1 -- ARI 3 -- L
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Total: NYM 21 -- ARI 12

The last three seasons (not including last night) have seen the Mets scored 97 runs to the D-Backs 28.

Adding last night:
5/02/08: NYM 7 -- ARI 2 -- W
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Since 2005, the Mets have scored 104 runs in Arizona. That is truly unbelievable. I say the Wilpons scrap the plans for Citi Field and uproot Chase Field and plop it down next to Shea Stadium for next year.