The Mets have their first three starters in order.
Johan is a clear ace. Mike Pelfrey is considered a #2, even if only by Mets management. Oliver Perez is so highly paid he has to be the #3 guy.
From there on, it’s been a roller coaster.
John Maine was the #4 starter at the beginning of the season, but he won’t be back to pitch this year, and Livan Hernandez (#5) rounded out the rotation.
Tim Redding (#6) and Nelson Figueroa (#7) had fill in roles throughout the season, but were unable to pitch consistently enough to keep a spot.
Fernando Nieve (#8) and Jon Niese (#9) both seemed to be doing well, but were lost to injury.
Bobby Parnell (#10) was moved from the bullpen to the rotation as a last resort.
Did I forget anyone?
I’m going to assume that to replace Livan, the Mets are going to give Redding and Figueroa starts, but it’s not out of the question that a guy like Elmer Dessens gets a few starts. He would be #11.
I’ve never seen anything like this before.
Making a move for Cliff Lee seems like an even better idea now.
I can’t wait for 2010.
PS – Luis Castillo, you’re season is one of the bright spots of this team so far, except for the bone head plays you seem to make all the time. I understand that it’s hard to concentrate during this type of season. I’m having trouble concentrating just watching the games on TV, but really man. Get it together.
