What Do We Think About 2007?

By Shari Forst
Posted Sunday, February 11, 2007

I don’t know if I can really answer that question. I was hoping for a big move concerning the starting pitching, and all I see is Omar stock piling a bunch of arms for the bull pen to replace guys like Chad Bradford. Bradford who played a key part in the success of 2006, is now gone and who knows how Duaner Sanchez’s surgically repaired shoulder will be.

The starting rotation consists of Tom Glavine and El Duque as the No. 1 & No. 2 starters, Pedro is not due to return until mid-season and that’s being generous. John Maine will most likely lock up the No. 3 spot. That leaves the back end of the rotation wide open. We have Oliver Perez who I personally loved to watch pitch. Even though there were times he was shelled early on in the game, I felt this kid had lots of raw talent. With the proper guidance I think he can be amazing. Phillip Humber and Mike Pelfrey are the other candidates who will duke it out in spring training. I was really hoping to get a bonafide starter, but it seems as if they almost WANT to go to bull pen by the 5th or 6th inning.

I don’t believe in pitching by committee, granted they had to last season with the loss of Brian Bannister and other nagging injuries to the other guys like Pedro, then Glavine’s little scare with his pitching arm.

El Duque from time to time was plagues by injury and at the worst possible time before the first playoff series. When you have to pitch by committee that’s one thing, but when you choose to it’s a different story. I grew up watching starters pitch until they got into major trouble and HAD to be pulled in favor of a reliever. I am not in favor of this nursing guys through until the 6th inning garbage.

The everyday players are basically the same with addition of 40-year-old injury-riddled Moises Alou.

Why didn't they just decide to sign Cliff Floyd for another year then? At least we know Floyd was a great club house guy and mentor to the younger players. Of course it’s too early to say, and I do hope Alou has a good season but shouldn’t they be thinking younger, rather than going after guys like this?

With spring training coming around the corner fast, I can’t wait to get a look at the 2007 Mets.

I know I seem a bit pessimistic but the pitching quandary really troubles me. The rotation was shaky last season and I expected a big improvement to sure things up and take them to the next level.

You can also find Shari Forst's well-regarded blog 'Take the 7 train' here.

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