Misch Turning Up The Heat

BUFFALO, NY - The New York Mets knew they landed a valuable, helpful arm when they claimed Pat Misch during the 2009 season. Misch did not make the big league roster out of camp, but so far in Buffalo the 29-year-old continues to give the Mets options. Misch spoke about his good start with InsidePitchMagazine.com.

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After a slow start this season, Bisons left-hander Pat Misch is starting to look like a major league talent and in his past few outings has been almost unhittable. He’s started eight games for the Herd so far this year and is 4-1 with a 3.02 earned run average. His four wins have come in his last six starts after three straight no decisions to start the year.

Misch is happy with how things are going lately but continues to work hard every day.

“I’m just trying to make quality pitches every time I go out,” Misch said. “It’s a crazy game, sometimes you feel good and sometimes you don’t. You just go out there and do the best you can.”

In his last three starts, Misch has really been locked in out on the hill. After throwing a complete game shutout against the Norfolk Tides in which he only allowed four hits on May 15th, he followed with one run on three hits to beat the Charlotte Knights in his start on May 20th. He made it a trio of good starts when he allowed two earned runs in six innings with four strikeouts in his last start on Tuesday.

It’s safe to say that Misch has really settled into a comfort zone and he continues to just try and get batters out.

“I feel pretty comfortable and relaxed right now out on the mound,” Misch said. “You try and go out every inning and throw up a zero [on the scoreboard]. I try and keep the team in the game as long as I can.”

Misch was a seventh round selection of the San Francisco Giants in the 2003 First Year Player Draft. He spent portions of three and a half seasons with the Giants but was never able to record a victory. He went 0-7 in 11 games before being claimed off waivers by the Mets in June of last year.

Splitting time between Buffalo and New York last season, Misch finished the year at 3-4 in the big leagues. His run with the Mets was highlighted by the team’s only complete game of the season late in September.

Looking back on his time in New York, Misch thought the move to the East Coast did wonders for his game.

“It was great [playing in New York last season],” Misch said. “The guys were great and the coaching staff was great. Definitely was a different atmosphere going from San Francisco to New York but again, it was awesome. Citi Field is a great place to play.”

With all the movement between Buffalo and New York this season, Misch has to be ready if the call comes. While he isn’t waiting by the phone, he is ready for whatever happens.

“Of course I’m ready [to get called up],” Misch said. “I feel good and I feel comfortable right now. If the call happens that’s great but if not I have to keep working hard. We have a great team here and right now we’re having a good time.”

The lefty wants to be playing in the big leagues but is content where he is right now. The offensive force that has been the Bisons this season is a pitchers dream and Misch has benefited from it. He is able to go out there every start with the confidence in his team at the plate and that has been vital for him this season.

As the season progresses, Misch hopes to continue his solid pitching and in doing so hopes it will be enough to get him back to the Big Apple.

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