The Rotation

Everyone seems to think that to think that the Mets rotation has been crippled due to Omar’s moves over the last two weeks. I feel that is not the case, the rotation now has less depth but I feel is still the best in the National League East. The moves made to strengthen the bullpen will allow our vets to come out early in games, and overall keeping the arms of our pitchers fresh down the stretch. It is nice to think that a trade for Zito is in the works now Benson is gone. It would be great if that was true, but if it is not I still feel that our current rotation is strong enough to win our Division. I liked Jae Seo as much as the next guy, but felt that there was much uncertainty surrounding his ability to offer a repeat performance of last year. He is a crafty righty who has impeccable control. To get some good bullpen help for him was a good move and will help down the stretch. I always saw Benson and Trachsel as the same type of pitcher, a guy that can hold down the middle of a rotation. Trachsel had enough time to recover from his injury and will probably eat the most innings of all the Mets. And that is the difference between them Benson appears to be a one half pitcher who is overpaid. Let’s not forget that it was Trachsel who was the most consistent pitcher for the Mets over the last few seasons before he was hurt last season. Now with a better team around him and the much needed run support, I feel that he will surprise many people this year. Another surprise this year will be Aaron Heilman, this guy does not need to be in the bullpen, he needs to prove himself to be an elite top of the rotation pitcher. Let’s on forget that this guy pitched a complete game one hitter and was rewarded with a trip to Norfolk. The ability to get both righties and lefties out will propel him to stardom. The only weak spot on our rotation happens to be Victor Zambrano, no matter how good he starts a game or how nasty he looks in a given inning, he somehow finds a way to lose. I feel with the added offense and the revamped bullpen should help VZ get 12-14 wins this year. Because of the Kazmir trade he has been given a very long leach. I feel that it will be him not Heilman that will be the cause of the Mets to acquire another starter. I see the Mets having the chips to make a midseason trade for a Zito- type starter if they need to. This year many new faces in the minors will emerge to be pawns for low key deals during the season. As for Pedro and Glavine, they will be what they always have been barring injury. That is all you can expect from your vets. All in all there is much to expect from the Mets this year and good pitching will be one of them.