Boras approves of Harvey's innings with Mets
Agent says club gave star client proper rest heading into postseason
NEW YORK -- In retrospect, Scott Boras says, the Mets handled Matt Harvey just fine.
Harvey's agent, who initially drew the pitcher's innings-limit drama into the limelight in early September, said on Wednesday that he is satisfied with the Mets' handling of his superstar client -- despite the fact that Harvey finished with 216 innings in his first season back from Tommy John surgery, not the 180 that Boras had prescribed.
"The funny thing was a lot was said about Matt Harvey not wanting to throw in the playoffs, and yet the entire design of what we were talking about in August was just that -- how we could pare down his innings in September so that he can throw in the playoffs," Boras said. "And frankly, the Mets came out with a very good plan for that after discussion. The doctor agreed with it. It allowed Matt really long periods of rest in September, and frankly it allowed him to perform at probably his best levels because instead of throwing 250 innings, he threw 210."
Harvey went 2-0 with a 3.04 ERA in four postseason starts, averaging 6 2/3 innings per outing.
"The playoffs are not ideal for anybody when you're going through that," Boras said of October's added strain. "You're pitching in the playoffs. Every player knows, regardless of what your situation is, your chance to win -- and win for your team and win for your fan base -- is a must. We were just really making every attempt to reduce the risk of that, so that he could pitch effectively and not have a dramatic impact on his career as he went forward."
Boras, whose Mets clients include Harvey and outfielder Michael Conforto, extended his complimentary words specifically to the front office. Four years ago, Boras famously ribbed the team's light-spending ways, saying that general manager Sandy Alderson was shopping in the "fruits and nuts aisle" of the grocery store. He expanded the metaphor in subsequent winters, even eliciting retorts from Alderson.
On Wednesday, Boras put the metaphor to rest.
"Obviously, the Mets have a [National League] pennant at the end of their aisle," he said. "That kind of allows them to go where they want to go. I'm sure where they're at, and where they're headed, and having the core of pitching like they do, they have an opportunity to fill many holes and be a very competitive team for a long time. I think they've kind of used their microwave lately. They've ascended into someone who can serve a meal rather quickly these days."