Let me first start off this article by saying that having confidence in yourself is extremely important, especially as a pitcher in Major League Baseball. You have to have a killer mindset every time you step foot on the mound and believe that you are going to get any batter you face out.

Now that we’re on the same page, Nick Pivetta must be on drugs.

Pivetta, who is now a member of the Boston Red Sox after being traded last year by the Phillies for what now could be considered a trash bag, was on the mound last night to face Jacob deGrom and the New York Mets. Pivetta pitched well, throwing five innings, allowing one hit, zero runs, and three walks while striking out seven. After the game, Pivetta stated that he thinks he’s as good as Jacob deGrom. Oh boy.

Full Quote:

“I think I’m just as good as deGrom. The way that I go into it is I mentally have to put myself in, ‘I’m as good as deGrom and I’m going to beat deGrom.’ Thats just what you have to do. He’s an incredible pitcher. Don’t get me wrong. I love watching him pitch and I think he’s incredible. But I can’t let him being up here let me get down here. I have to go up and meet him right there and believe in myself. The guys behind me make me believe in myself, the guys on the bench make me believe in myself. Chrisitian Vazquez makes me believe in myself. Same with the coaching staff. That’s how you have to go. We’re all on an even playing field at the end of the night. It’s who’s goign to go out and do what they need to do. He’s an incredible pitcher of course, but I have to put myself on that level at the same time with the same confidence. I can’t put anybody higher than I am.”

Higher than you are, huh Nick? You’re right. I don’t think anyone can be higher than Nick Pivetta. I’m all for being confident on the mound but there is some thing called being over confident. In fact, that’s always been a problem for Pivetta.

Pivetta is a career 24-30 pitcher. He has a career 5.25 ERA. Most recently for the Phillies, he made three appearances in 2020 and none of them went very well. His first outing last year, he gave up two runs in 3.1 innings. Girardi wouldn’t pitch him again for almost two weeks. When he took the mound again, he allowed two runs in two innings. Four days later, the Phillies had a 13 run lead heading into the ninth inning of a game and Girardi, presumably feeling bad for Pivetta, sent him out to the mound. In return, Pivetta, allowed a home run, two singles, and a double. He then let up another run on a sacrifice fly and allowed back-to-back doubles, ending his night and his career in a Phillies’ uniform.

Pivetta’s 2020 numbers on the Phillies: 3 games, 5.1 IP, 0-0 W-L, 15.88 ERA, 1.6 BB/9, 6.4 K/9

As a member of the Red Sox this season, Pivetta has pitched well. He’s currently 3-0 with a 2.81 ERA. Sure, the Phillies could use a any type of pitcher with those numbers in the back of their starting rotation given the fact that Matt Moore and Chase Anderson haven’t performed as expected. However, a pitcher with a 5.25 ERA comparing himself to Jacob deGrom after pitching an almost rare good game in which he only threw five innings is ridiculous.

Unless it’s not clear by now, I’ve never been a fan of Nick Pivetta. He’s a pitcher who has always beamed with confidence and then fell short on the mound. He would get mad when he was optioned down to the minors after a string of bad starts. He’s a guy who refused to accept (or earn) a bullpen spot after hurting the Phillies in the starting rotation time and time again.

When things are going well, Pivetta always beamed with confidence. Like clockwork, when things go bad, he would pout like a child and throw hissy fits. It’s only a matter of time before Pivetta’s curveball disappears mid-summer and he’s upset with the Red Sox for pulling him from their rotation. If I’m wrong, then good for Nick, but until history tells me otherwise, this is the stance I’m taking.

Jacob deGrom is one of the best pitchers maybe in the history of Major League Baseball. There’s no reason to go out there and say these types of things. I understand where Nick was coming from to an extent, but on the other hand, show some respect. The Mets absolutely stink and deGrom deserves better. The last thing he needs is Nick freaking Pivetta pitching five innings and then saying that he believes he’s the same caliber of pitcher.

***UPDATE***

It appears that my articles are making rounds inside Facebook groups, which I definitely appreciate. Tom Jones however, has been mad at The Liberty Line ever since I called Jay Bruce a “legend”. The only thing good about the name Tom Jones is the old diner in Delco and the Blue Ribbon Special. Tom Jones on Facebook is everything but that. He’s miserable, has no sense of humor, and never has anything nice to say. For everyone else that shares and reads, thank you. Until next time.

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