Johan Santana
Oliver Perez
John Maine
Mike Pelfrey
Tim Redding/Freddy Garcia/Jon Niese/Pedro??
Seem familiar? That's because it is pretty much the same rotation as last season. And if you consider the fact that the 5 spot did not contribute much in 2008 (sorry Nelson Figueroa), this year should be a near replica of last year as far as the first 6 innings of each game are concerned. What will make this season different? The additions of Putz and K-Rod mean that if the starting rotation performs just as they did last year and can hold down the fort until the seventh inning, the 29 blown saves (check out this breakdown) should whittle down to about 8 or less, and the Mets could blow out the NL East instead.
I am disappointed to not see a fresh face like Ben Sheets or Derek Lowe get added to the rotation, but if Oliver Perez can continue to get better, I can deal. What I can't deal with is the Flushing version of the Cyclone - the ups and downs of Senor Perez. That being said, the Mets have still improved their pitching by merely securing the bullpen, even if they have apparently ended their "arms" race. Am I bored? Yes. Am I upset? No.
