Misch Making Play For The Majors

BUFFALO, NY - The New York Mets are still looking for an arm to boost the back of the big league rotation. The organization may now have its answer right in Triple-A in the form of left-hander Pat Misch. Misch has been one of the most consistent arms on the 40-man roster this season and his recent run should be enough to get him another look in New York very soon.

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September is rapidly approaching and as the Mets prepare for a final playoff push, shoring up the starting rotation could be the key to their October goals.

With the recent struggles of Mike Pelfrey and Oliver Perez, Bisons starting pitcher Pat Misch has emerged as a possible solution at pitcher for the Mets after quietly posting very good numbers this year up in Buffalo. In fact, Misch could get another look in New York as soon as this week if the cards fall right.

When thinking about the chance of heading back to the big leagues, Misch can’t think of anything he wants more.

“My goal is not to play minor league baseball,” Misch said. “You want to play at the highest level you can and hopefully that will happen. I’ll just keep doing what I’ve been doing down here and working hard every day, and see what happens.”

After pitching in 22 games for the Mets last season, Misch came into this year as something of an afterthought and has performed well under the radar. He was elected to the 2010 International League All-Star game in July as the only representative for the Bisons.

Misch has thrown two complete games this season—one for a shutout on May 5—en route to becoming the first Bisons pitcher to win 10 games since Jeremy Guthrie won 12 in 2005.

With a record of 11-4 on the year, Misch has been a guy Bisons manager Ken Oberkfell can count on every time he takes to the bump.

The left-hander has posted a 3.23 ERA on the season in 150 2/3 innings and has struck out 99 batters while walking only 24. He has been hot as of late, allowing only five earned runs in his last 26 2/3 innings pitched.

As great as Misch has been this year, he continues to take everything in stride and not get to high or to low when judging each performance.

“You just take it one day at a time,” Misch said. “Tomorrow is working out, the next day I’ll be in the bullpen. You have to keep preparing for your next start. You can’t think about anything that has happened in the past. You just have to keep looking ahead and that’s what I have always done.”

In July, Misch proved to be key for the Bisons who sent several key offensive players to New York. He went 3-1 in the month, pitching 42 innings and allowing only a .232 batting average to opposing hitters.

One of the reasons Misch has been successful has been his attitude on the hill. He isn’t afraid to go after hitters and he lets his defense make plays behind him. His confidence is always there and it shows when he is pitching.

“I’m always confident,” Misch said. “That’s what you have to be as a player. Obviously, when you go out there and have good outings your confidence builds. Right now, I feel great.”

Having the tandem of Ruben Tejada and Luis Hernandez behind him up the middle—both excellent defensive players—allows Misch and the rest of the Bisons staff to feel comfortable with letting everything go. He explained how calming it is to be able to just say “Here, hit it” to opposing hitters and then watch the duo have some fun fielding.

As somewhat of an exception to the norm, Misch has been more successful this season against right-handed batters than left-handers. Righties are only batting .243 against him while lefties are hitting a healthy .297 this season against the former seventh round draft pick.

Misch’s experience at the big league level could be the determining factor in a late season call up. He has notched 60 Major League appearances over his eight-year career and will look to leave an impression on Mets management if given another opportunity.

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