Anthony Rieber, in Newsday, doesn't believe that Pelfrey has earned his spot.
From Rieber:
The math is simple. The Mets aren't going to take six starting pitchers to Miami when the season opens March 31. And Pelfrey hasn't really done enough in his last two outings to make manager Willie Randolph's decision difficult.---I have to agree with Rieber here. Pelfrey has not earned his spot in the rotation yet, but you have to remember that El Duque is yet to face another team in spring training. At this point, I have Pelfrey penciled in for the 5th spot purely because no one has seen what Duque can do yet.
Even Pelfrey agreed it was a so-so performance at best for a pitcher who likely needs a boffo spring training or an injury to one of the Mets' top five to make the club.
He may not have earned it, but he is there by default because he's healthy, something El Duque probably won't be able to boast all year.
It's great to see that Pelfrey knows this isn't his best stuff, and he might still be shaking the rust off from a long winter. It's typical New York media to come crashing down upon a young kid who is trying to prove himself, and lean towards the veteran. Unfortuantely this veteran hasn't seen action yet this season and is toying with a new delivery, so who knows how that will affect how he preforms.
Right now, Pelfrey should still be leading for the spot despite some rough outings. We have a strong enough rotation in front of him that the 5th starter, and he would be just that, a FIFTH starter, doesn't have to be an Ace. Give the kid a chance.