New York Mets 2009 Rotation Full of Concern As Season Looms

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NEW YORK - JULY 10: John Maine #33 of the New York Mets stands on the mound in the fifth inning against the San Francisco Giants on July 10, 2008 at Shea Stadium in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City. The Mets defeated the G

The Mets spent last September watching leads evaporate until they lost their grip on first place and eventually the wildcard.

Watching the Marlins celebrate eliminating them on their home turf for a second straight season and the images of C.C. Sabathia riding the Brewers into the playoffs.

In order to prevent this occurrence from happening again, Omar Minaya preparation for 2009 was spent sorting through the bullpen.

He went out and acquired two elite closers and spent a good portion of the offseason bringing in new arms.

The irony is that most of the excitement that has been generated by bullpen overhaul is being overshadowed by the woes of John Maine and Oliver Perez, and the health concerns regarding ace Johan Santana.

Last year, the staff boasted a 3.98 ERA which was good for 7th in the league while the bullpen generated a 4.27 ERA leaving it at 23rd in the league.

We know the bullpen should be better but the question remains, as we look through the rotation, is the staff?

Johan Santana's Health?

NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 27: Johan Santana #57 of the New York Mets celebrates the final out of the game against the Florida Marlins on September 27, 2008 at Shea Stadium in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City. The Mets defeated

2008 Snapshot:
W L ERA GS IP H ER HR SO BB WHIP
16 7 2.53 34 234.1 206 66 23 206 63 1.15

The ace, Johan Santana, has been arguably this generation's most dominant pitcher.

Last year, the Mets bullpen blew seven leads for Santana as he worked hard to earn his 16 victories.

His second season in the bigger apple brings loftier expectations but an early spring scare, in which Santana's elbow tightness seemed serious enough for the star to miss opening day, showed just how vulnerable the Mets pitchers were.

Big Pelf ready for the next stage?

NEW YORK - JUNE 11: Mike Pelfrey #34 of the New York Mets walks off the field after the eigth inning against the Arizona Diamonbacks on June 11, 2008 at Shea Stadium in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City. (Photo by Jim McIs

W L ERA GS IP H ER HR SO BB WHIP
13 11 3.72 32 200.2 209 83 12 110 64 1.36

Mike Pelfrey was the Mets first round pick in 2005(9th overall).

The organization and fans alike had big expectations for the 6-7 Kid out of Witchita State. Last year, he seemed to have met those expectaions after a slow start.

Pelfrey throws hard but doesn't strike out many as he relies on his heavy sinker and lets his teammates take care of the rest.

Pelfrey had some nagging leg injuries this spring but overall had a nice spring. He even has experimented with two new pitches this spring, a front door sinker and a two seam fastball.

The Mets will need Pelfrey to prove last year was no abberation if they want to conquer September's ghosts.

Will John Maine Ever Be The Same?

NEW YORK - JULY 10: John Maine #33 of the New York Mets pitches against the San Francisco Giants on July 10, 2008 at Shea Stadium in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City. The Mets defeated the Giants 7-3. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/

2008 Snapshot:
W L ERA GS IP H ER HR SO BB WHIP
10 8 4.18 25 140 122 65 16 122 67 1.35

John Maine's 2008 campaign was marred by a strained rotator cuff which required offseason surgery.

Coming back, spring has not been so promising to Maine. Boasting an 8.00 ERA in 18 innings(and that's after his solid five inning, one run performance against St. Louis last Thursday) and changing his delivery has left fans wondering; will John Maine ever be the same?

The answer better be yes if the Mets expect to overtake the Phillies in the East.

Which Oliver Perez Will We See?

NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 28: Starting pitcher #46 Oliver Perez (center) of the New York Mets is visited by the trainer after feilding a hit with his pitching hand against the Florida Marlins during the last regular season baseball game ever played in Shea St

2008 Snapshot:
W L ERA GS IP H ER HR SO BB WHIP
10 7 4.22 34 194 167 91 24 180 105 1.40

The enigma that is Oliver Perez. No one doubts Perez has stuff. It is what's between Perez's ears that concerns most.

It is this reason the Mets weren't sure they wanted to commit to a 27 year-old lefty who has shut down the Braves, Phillies, and Yankees with regularity or sign 35 year-old Derek Lowe.

After being spurned by Lowe, the Mets eventually gave Perez a contact(3 years, $36 million) in hopes he was the guy who could beat the elite and not he one who walks the ballpark against the MLBs worst competition. Which Oliver Perez will we see?

So far, it seems the latter. Perez seems behind the other pitchers and out of shape without anyone to reign him in during the WBC.

How Long Will Livan Stay In The Rotation?

PORT SAINT LUCIE, FL - FEBRUARY 23: Livan Hernandez #61 of the New York Mets poses during photo day at Tradition Field on February 23, 2009 in Port Saint Lucie, Florida. (Photo by Doug Benc/Getty Images)

2008 Snapshot:
W L ERA GS IP H ER HR SO BB WHIP
13 11 6.05 31 180 257 121 25 67 43 1.66

Referred to as "inventory" when Omar Minaya picked him up, Hernandez has showed consistency throughout spring.

He pitched his way into the rotation beating out Tim Redding, Freddy Garcia, and Jonathan Neise. The question that remains is, what does Livan have to offer once the real competition begins?

With the issues to Maine and Perez it is imperative that Livan gives them a boost at the back end.

Under normal circumstances, the Mets would take what they could get from that spot but this year is different with the concerns mentioned.

Maybe Livan's stay in the rotation will have more to do with how many of the previous questions are answered.

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