New York Mets: 5 Trade Possibilities to Replace Mike Pelfrey

Over the past few seasons, Mets fans have rolled their eyes when they saw Mike Pelfrey slated in the pitcher's slot on the lineup card. In 2012, boy do they miss him.

After tearing his UCL and requiring Tommy John surgery to repair his elbow, Pelfrey will be out the rest of the season, possibly his last as a New York Met. Prior to the injury, the 6'7" right-hander was 0-0 with a 2.29 ERA over 19.2 innings.

The Mets pulled out a comeback 7-4 win last night against the Phillies, but Miguel Batista allowed 8 hits and 4 runs in 5.1 innings.

Before him, Chris Schwinden got the first crack at the fifth starter's spot, but those starts could not have been more of a nightmare. He was sent back down after allowing 10 earned runs in only 8 innings.

Now it is looking like the Mets well have to look outside the franchise to find a fifth starter until Matt Harvey or Zack Wheeler are ready in the minors. With a winning record, the Mets are being cautious of their top prospects, making sure that they are promoted when they are ready and do not have their confidence ruined.

The Mets are off to a great start, but without a solid five-man rotation, they could suffer down the line.

Wandy Rodriguez, LHP Astros

The Mets had a quiet, inexpensive off-season, and this might be the time to take advantage of it. Wandy Rodriguez plays for one of the worst franchises in baseball and would probably love the chance to pitch for a team with a winning record. 

The 33-year-old is 3-3 with a 2.14 ERA this season for the struggling Astros.  If the Mets were to make a deal, they would be able to eat some of his $10 million salary and offer one of their many valuable prospects in the minors.

Francisco Liriano, LHP Twins

Liriano has been absolutely awful so far in 2012, but that could work perfectly to the Mets' advantage.  The 29-year-old left-hander is 0-5 with a 9.45 ERA and has a one-year contract, meaning that the Twins would likely move him if presented with the right opportunity.

A change of scenery could do wonders for Liriano. The switch to the NL could work to his benefit, as he would being reunited with former teammate and current ace of the Mets, Johan Santana.

Finally healthy, Liriano's numbers will rapidly improve.

Jeff Samardzija, RHP Cubs

Jeff Samardzija began his career as a hard-throwing righty in the Cubs' bullpen but has since made a smooth transition into the Chicago rotation.  The 27-year-old is currently 4-1 with a 3.03 ERA and averaging nearly 95 miles per hour on his fastball.

The reason this could work for the Mets is the hard times in Chicago.  The Cubs are 12-18 and have holes all throughout their lineup. It would likely take a few good prospects, but Samardzija could be a mainstay in the Mets' rotation.

John Lannan, LHP Nationals

The 27-year-old left hander had previously started back-to-back Opening Days for the Washington Nationals but this year finds himself on the outside of a talented five-man rotation.

Lannan is now back in AAA for the first time since 2007.  In 2011, Lannan won 10 games and finished with a 3.70 ERA in 184.2 innings. With a deep rotation, the Nationals may be willing to trade Lannan for younger prospects that they could develop.

AJ Burnett, RHP Pirates

Burnett has failed in New York before, but there is a big difference in pitching in the AL East and pitching for the Mets at Citi Field.

After a broken nose suffered in spring training, Burnett is back to the majors with the Pirates. He's 1-2 with an 8.04 ERA but looked great in his last outing, going eight innings with two earned runs and 10 strikeouts.

The Pirates always seem to be sellers at the trade deadline and this year should be no different. Burnett is a free agent after 2013, which would give Harvey and Wheeler just enough time to get ready for the Majors.