PASA: Mesa

This series, Pitchers and Stomach Aches, is based on my new feature on Philliesnation.com, Decade's Worst Individual Pitching Performaces, otherwise know as DWIPP.

Jose Mesa: Mesa had great years with the Phillies in 2001 and 2002 saving a total of 87 games. They were good enough to put him in the Top 100 Phillies list. However 2003 and 2007 were different stories. It was common to hope for him to not "Mesa up."

He managed to save 24 games in 2003, but it didn't come easy. He was 5-7 with an ERA of 6.52 and WHIP of 1.78. Opponents batted .296 off the right hander.

At the Vet, Mesa had a 7.76 ERA that year. In 4 innings in September, Mesa allowed 9 earned runs as the Phillies inched closer to a chance at the post season.

Mesa returned to the Phillies in mid 2007 and he had a 5.54 ERA in 40 appearances. Mesa was a huge contributor to the Phillies being swept in the NLDS to the Rockies. He gave up 3 runs in 1/3 of an inning during the NLDS. 2007 would be the last year he pitched in the majors.