PORT ST. LUCIE — A healthy Fresno Bobby Jones is so important to the end of the Mets’ rotation because of the consistency he brings during a 162-game schedule.
In 1994, the 30-year-old right-hander went 12-7 with a 3.15 ERA in 160 innings. In ’95, he went 10-10 with a 4.19 ERA in 195 2/3 innings. In ’96, he went 12-8 in with a 4.42 ERA in 195 2/3 innings.
In ’97, he made the All-Star team, going 15-9 with a 3.63 ERA in 193 1/3 innings. In ’98, he went 9-9 with a 4.05 ERA in 195 1/3 innings.
Last season because of bursitis in his right shoulder, he threw just 59 1/3 innings, earning a 3-3 record with an ERA of 5.61 (which is incidentally the area code down here). Will Jones be able to make the call back to his old form is one of the main questions that will determine if the Mets can surpass the Braves and win the NL East.
“My shoulder is definitely stronger,” said the 6-foot-4 Jones, who remained on the disabled list from late May until being activated in early September at which time he did some relief work. “I feel like I feel every spring. I feel no effect from the injury.”
Jones is not a consistent All-Star as his excellent ’97 was a bit of an aberration. However, the innings he brings and the double-digit victory total are invaluable even to a club whose top two starters are named Mike Hampton and Al Leiter.
“It keeps you in games,” pitching coach Dave Wallace said. “It gives you a chance to win ballgames.”
The innings also give the bullpen a rest, which should make it stronger.
“We missed that last year,” No. 3 starter Rick Reed said.
Jones said the most important aspect of his recovery occurred last year at Coors Field in Colorado. On Sept. 14, Jones made his first relief appearance of his career. He allowed one earned run in three innings.
“If I would not have thrown at the end of last season, I would have doubt,” said Jones, who can be streaky in stretches, but whose history is consistent.
Jones didn’t get to participate in the playoffs though, which was difficult for him because he started with the Mets in September of ’93.
“It was real difficult really,” Jones said of watching the postseason. “Behind Johnny [Franco,] I’ve been here longer than anybody. I’ve been here since the early ’90s when we were out of it in August.”
