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.

Celebrate, Mets fans: Chase Utley to compete in HR Derby

It's music to my ears: Chase Utley will be one of players participating in the 2008 Home Run Derby.

Pardon me while I take a few minutes for some diabolical laughing.

OK, I'm back. We all saw what happened to David Wright after his stint in the HR Derby, and as Mets fans, we can only hope the same sort of funk sets in with Utley for the rest of the 2008 season.

Dan Uggla will be competing as well.

This is great. What more can we ask, as Mets fans? Oh, taking three out of four from the Phillies in Philadelphia, that's right.