Scouting Report on Kenshin Kawakami

The Mets face Japanese import, Kenshin Kawakami, tonight. This is his 2nd year in the majors and he faced the Mets 5 times last year (3 starts), and posted a 2.19 ERA. In his two starts this year, he tossed 6 effective innings vs the Giants, needing only 85 pitches. His last start he faced a more patient Rockies team, and he needed 103 pitches to get through 5 innings (8 hits, 4 runs).

He was brought over to the Braves to be a #4/5 starter, and that's exactly what he was/is. He's 35 years old, and mixes an 88-89 mph sinking fastball, a cutter/slider, curveball and a splitter to keep hitters off balance. He relies on his control to be effective, so the Mets need to be patient like the Rockies were, make him run up a high pitch count, and get into the bullpen. He is a below average strikeout pitcher (6 K/9 last year), and is a mild fly-ball pitcher, so maybe the Mets can take advantage of a mistake or two and hit a couple HRs tonight.

For the scouting report on his opposing pitcher, click here: John Maine