The Mets' clubhouse is filled with new faces as the roster expands, as it always does after Sept. 1. The wrinkle this time is that the minor-league call-ups – and some players that have been here for a while -- may get playing time for a different reason. In the past, September meant playing time for youngsters auditioning for the future on a Mets team that was out of contention. This time, the auditions might be for a spot on the postseason roster of one of baseball's best clubs.
The Mets have some injury issues that could open some October positions. If leftfielder Cliff Floyd can't get his aching Achilles under control, Lastings Milledge could challenge veteran Michael Tucker for a reserve outfielder's spot.
If backup catcher Ramon Castro doesn't get back from the DL, Kelly Stinnett could put some pressure on Mike DiFelice for that job.
The pitching picture is a bit muddled, too, with the uncertain health of dual aces Pedro Martinez and Tom Glavine. Presumably both will be fully recovered by the end of the month, meaning only two other spots in the rotation -- at most -- are open. El Duque, with his past playoff resume, seems the solid choice as the No. 3 starter come October, while the club's winningest pitcher, Steve Trachsel, could find himself in the uncomfortable position of No. 4, with a limited role. Depending on how the off days break and how long each series lasts, the No. 4 starter often goes unused.
And what about John Maine, who has pitched so well of late? He could be out of the playoff picture, though it's a picture that remains out of focus.
Comments (10)
if willie the dumb doesn't use maine in the playoffs then he is willie the dumb dumb dumb
How pathetic, Trachsel leads the Mets team with 14
I don't think Willie understands pitching, and Trachsel has 14 wins because the team scores almost 7 runs a game behind him. "He is the Major League's best number 5 pitcher." Not number 4. He doesn't belong in the playoffs. He will be an automatic loss.
The Met magic number is at 11.
One more and Met fans can use their fingers to really experience the countdown for the first time.
While I make it a rule never to agree with Bob, if Willie doesn't use Maine that would be a dumb mistake. Depending on how El Duque finishes up, I'd use Maine as the 3 and use El Duque out of the pen as he did last year.
Maine has been the Mets best pitcher for two months now. He must be used in the post season. Who else do we have, Drysdale and Koufax?
i know seven rocks smarter than bob
Trachsel with his 14 wins is "fools gold"...Pedro, Glavine, El Duque and then Maine in that order...put Trachsel in the bullpen for mop up time.
OOOPSIES.........
JAMIE MOYER SEPT.3RD.NUMBERS
7.1 IP 6 HITS 3 ER 2 BB 3 K
DAVID WELLS SEPT. 3RD.NUMBERS
6 IP 5 HITS 1 ER 1 BB 2 K
I guess you are all geniuses,
mets didn't need to deal for
them. You were right.
Anonymous -- Jamie Moyer is 7-13 this year. His last post season start was 5 years ago.
He's supposed to be better than anyone the Mets currently have.
Wells was intriguing, but he makes Pedro look like Cal Ripken in terms of durability. He's one bunt away from throwing out his back and being done, ala the 2003 WS. I'll take my chances with Martinez, Glavine and Hernandez.