Pelfrey needs strong finish

Mike Pelfrey (15-9, 3.84), who pitches against the Marlins tonight in Florida, probably has three starts left in his dizzying season. 

Pelfrey had a Cy Young April and a designated for assignment-like July,  which cost him a spot on the All-Star team. 

A month-by-month look at Pelfrey's season:

          W-L         ERA

April  4-0             0.69

May    3-1            3.82

June 3-1             3.54

July    0-3           10.02

Aug.   3-2             1.82

Sept.  2-2             5.48

With injured Johan Santana on the shelf for perhaps the first two or three months of the 2011 season, Pelfrey takes over the No. 1 spot by default if not merit. 

A strong finish would help make the organization and its fans feel more comfortable with that designation.