Tim Redding: Mercy Mercy Me!

On Thursday night, Tim Redding improved his ERA from his first appearance of the spring.

That's the best spin I have.

Yes, giving up nine runs in two innings is statistically better than the five runs Redding allowed in only 1/3 of an inning against the University of Michigan.

On the telecast, Ralph Kiner suggested that the mercy rule used in the WBC should also be used with Redding. Maybe during the regular season, when Redding gets knocked out of the game, the sound system can play the old Marvin Gaye classic "Mercy Mercy Me."

And when Redding trudges back to the bench, Jerry Manuel and Dan Warthen can ask Redding "What's Going On."

The Mets price their games in tiers ranging from "platinum" down to "value." If this keeps up, they may need to introduce a new tier: "Redding." Tickets are reduced in price in most of the ballpark in anticipate of a lousy showing by the Mets. However, tickets for seats in the outfield in fair territory are sold at a higher price, since your chances of catching a home run ball look to be much greater with Redding on the mound.

A couple of times during the telecast, Ron Darling said that Redding had an "outstanding" season last year because he won 10 games for a Nationals team that only won 59.

In 1972, Steve Carlton won 27 games for a Phillies team that also won only 59 times. Now that's outstanding. Winning 10 for the Nationals? Not so much.

But it doesn't look like we'll have to worry about hearing "Tim Redding" and "outstanding" in the same sentence again anytime soon.

Johan Santana wasn't outstanding tonight either, but it was great to see him on the mound making most batters miss after the injury scare. Santana even pitched into the third after it looked like he would only go two. Santana did get taken out in the middle of an inning, but it was due to being on a pitch count - not a mercy rule.

Who should be the fifth starter for the Mets? Would you like to see the Mets bring back Pedro Martinez? Tell us what you think.