Sunday, January 25, 2009By Mike Steffanos
I'm in the process of writing a longer piece with some thoughts on the Mets' off-season moves. I hope to have that up by tomorrow. In the meantime, here are some quick thoughts on landing Garcia.
Assuming that the Mets sign Oliver Perez, which seems to be in the works, if nothing else happened the Mets would head into spring training with Johan Santana, Perez, John Maine, Mike Pelfrey, Garcia and Tim Redding as the leading candidates for the five rotation slots.
Also in the mix are Brandon Knight, Jon Niese and Bobby Parnell. Parnell also might be in the bullpen mix. If nothing else, this would be a little deeper in the rotation than the Mets have been in a while.
There are question marks here, but provided the Mets actually sign Perez or Ben Sheets they have a chance at a pretty good rotation. Moreover, there is meaningful depth beyond whoever takes the five slots. I'm reserving full judgment until I see Garcia pitch some spring training innings, but I like this as a solid low risk move.
Check back later tonight for Part 1 of my interview with Joe Janish from Mets Today. As previously mentioned, I'll be back tomorrow with some more in-depth thoughts on the winter comings and goings.
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Comments (3)
I like the Garcia move, but I have to believe that a New York franchise, moving into a new home, really should not take a big chance of losing and try to set the winning momentum in their favor right from go. Garcia has signed a minor league contract, if he is not put on the roster, we don't have to pay him. So he is a wonderful insurance policy. But I still think the Mets need to go out and get both Sheets and Perez. If Sheets needs a couple of weeks or even a month off, we have plenty of depth. But when he is in there, him and Johan are a nasty 1-2 punch from the left side and then the right. Redding can pitch in the bullpen or start when needed along with Neise, we can take full advantage of getting a guy like Sheets for a great price and bring back Oliver.
You listed a rotation of:
Santana
Perez
Maine
Pelfrey
Garcia/Neise
How bout:
Santana - Potentially the best number 1 starter in baseball
Sheets - Potentially the best number 2 starter in baseball
Perez - Potentially the best number 3 starter in baseball
Maine - Potentially the best number 4 starter in baseball
Pelfrey - Potentially the best number 5 starter in baseball
That is what I am saying about taking less of a chance and really setting yourself up to succeed. On the Offensive side of the ball, I want Manny! Thanks fore reading... Please respond with your thoughts...Let's Go Mets!
Posted by metsstem | January 25, 2009 9:42 PM
I'm writing something that's more or less on this subject. I should have it posted tomorrow (Monday).
Posted by Mike Steffanos | January 25, 2009 11:22 PM
I like the Garcia signing (low risk/high reward). I would hope they would still sign both Perez and Sheets or aleast one of them. Another righthanded hitter with pop and a lefty in the pen and all should be good. Lets Go Mets!
Posted by L.J.Phipps | January 26, 2009 9:42 AM