Making a Case: Jason Marquis Vs. Joel Pineiro—Who's Better for the Mets?

BY MICHAEL GANCI
EDITOR

Yesterday I decided that I was going to sit down and make a comparison. While the rumor mill continues to churn, it is looking more and more like the Mets are going to sign a second-tier pitcher like Jason Marquis or Joel Pineiro.

I have seen people make cases why the Mets should sign either or both, but I decided to take a deeper look at both pitchers to see who would fit the mold of someone the Mets could use at Citi Field.

Believe it or not, both guys have fairly similar numbers.

Pineiro certainly has the edge in one category. First of all, he rarely walks anyone. That seems like a forgotten stat, but seeing as how the Mets led baseball with walking in runs, they could use a guy who knows how to throw a strike. It’s a lost art. We have been subjected to guys like Mike Pelfrey and Oliver Perez 40 percent of the time.

Both guys give up their fair share of base runners and get guys out by utilizing their defense. That is why it is important that the Mets get someone who can field the position in left field. Matt Holliday would probably be a better option than Jason Bay in that respect, as many baseball experts think Fenway Park helped hide the true flaw that is Bay’s defensive game.

These guys have similar records, and they are only a month apart in age.

One thing that separates them in my opinion is desire to come to Queens. Pineiro will of course talk to the Mets because it is smart for negotiating purposes, but we have heard on multiple occasions that Marquis is dying to wear the orange and blue.

I think a guy being happy where he plays would pay dividends, and Marquis would be coming home. For those of you who don’t know, he was born in Manhasset, Long Island.

I honestly think these two are very similar in their approaches. They have their good days and their bad. When they are both on top of their game, I would consider Pineiro a little bit more dangerous due to his devastating curveball. But between you and me, the difference between the guys is not that stark.

I would love to get John Lackey, but I think it is clear that he is going to end up staying out west or maybe with the Yankees or Red Sox. He has let it be known that he would love to go to his hometown Texas Rangers, but they have many issues in terms of ownership.

Hopefully, things are going to stir up a bit soon, because I am getting delirious from the lack of updates.