The Mets seem to have concerns about Mike Pelfrey’s mental toughness, John Harper of the Daily News reports.

Harper talked with a scout about Pelfrey, who said:

He can’t understand what happened to his once-devastating two-seam fastball, with the sink and 95-mph velocity that once made him a can’t-miss prospect… I remember seeing him in Double-A, and his sinker was better than it was when I saw him (last season). It seems to be a mental thing with him.

Last season, Pelfrey went 10-12 with a 5.03 ERA and had six balks.

The scout also added, “he gave you the impression he didn’t want to be on the mound.”

No doubt… Mike Pelfrey is a head case on the mound. He thinks way too much, instead of just rockin’ back and firing on the bump. This past season, he took a huge step back. It seems as if Pelfrey is holding back for some odd reason. Does he not have confidence in his stuff or has the pressure of New York finally caught up to him?

I’ve heard Pelfrey looked great throwing bullpens this past spring training, but for whatever reason can’t transfer that success when it counts in the regular season.

Jerry Manuel was a guest on XM-Sirius Radio’s MLB Home Plate, and said Pelfrey should be considered the teams No. 2 starter.

Personally, I can understand why Manuel is throwing his endorsement for Pelfrey as the team’s number two starter, as Manuel wants to boost Pelfrey’s confidence.

I got no problem in that, but even if the Mets don’t get John Lackey, Pelfrey doesn’t deserve to be named the number two. It’s like giving the non-proven guy the job, over the guy who is qualified. If I’m Manuel, I’m slotting Pelfrey into the No. 5 spot in the rotation. He has to prove to me has the ability and toughness to get over the hump, before he even enters the conversation as a No. 2 starter.

Matt Pignataro is a writer for SevenTraintoShea.com and a regular contributor to NYBD.

Tags: Jerry Manuel, Matt Pignataro, Mike Pelfrey, New York Mets