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Every Met fan knows that the Mets starting rotation is a disaster.  However, not everyone knows about Aroldis Chapman.  For those of you who do not know Chapman is a Cuban pitcher who defected during a tournament in Holland last year.  According to metsblog.com Chapman has narrowed his search down to two teams, the Mets and the Yankees.  Now, most critics say that Chapman is to big of a risk for a team like the Mets with no real 2-5 starters to take, especially for 60 million dollars.  However, Chapman IS NOT THAT BIG OF A RISK.  No, he is not a money back guarantee but he throws 102 miles per hour, for strikes.  Oliver Perez can't even throw 20 mile per hour strikes.  Plus he has a great curve ball, along with a good change and a cutter.  Mariano Rivera has been the best closer in baseball for 12 years and he only has Chapman's worst pitch.

If the Mets do not sign a legitimate ace to their staff this winter, they have zero chance of making the playoffs next year.  But if they do sign Chapman, they not only have a shot at the wild card but also of beating the Phillies.  The Mets starting line up is decent as is, (assuming they are healthy).  Yes, I would like it if Brad Hawpe was on the team next year but they don't really need an outfielder that badly.  But the starting rotation needs a savior.  Picture the Mets starting rotation without Chapman versus with him.  

1. Johan Santana (13-9)                            1. Johan Santana (13-9)

2. Mike Pelfrey (10-12)                              2. Aroldis Chapman (N/A)

3. Oliver Perez (3-4)                                 3. Mike Pelfrey (10-12) 

4. John Maine(7-6)                                    4. Oliver Perez (3-4)

5. Fernando Nieve (3-3)                             5. John Maine (7-6)

Without him they have Mike Pelfrey, at the number two spot, and Nieve at the fifth spot.  Nothing against Mike Pelfrey, but lets look at some playoff teams and their number two starters, A.J Burnett, Joe Saunders, Cole Hamels... etc.  As you can see Mike Pelfrey is not in their league, Chapman is.  Also having Maine at the 5th spot would be a dream come true.  Since the Mets renaissance in 2006 they have never had a legitimate fifth starter that they could count on for the whole year.  Even if you want to put Perez in that fifth spot, I feel totally comfortable.  Because you can have your fifth starter be inconsistent and still make the playoffs, but that is not true about your third starter. 

In conclusion, this isn't like he's Steve Nebraska (From the Scout) an unknown pitcher, from some crazy country nobody has every heard of.  He has been dominating in Cuba and in national tournaments for years.  The only reason he all of a sudden has a big question mark over his head is because we have not heard of him, and naturally anything new to us we question.  But this time, there is no need to question, Met fans, just enjoy.  

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