The Bandaid Brigade

Well, it's been a troubling and exciting spring to be sure. And I hope it becomes easier on the nerves sooner than later.

If you want to know the troubling aspects of this spring, just look for the First Aid workers. The Mets are working overtime to keep the Medical profession in the black. In case you've been asleep for the last six months here's some of the casualties this off- season and spring training.

Gotay- Sprained ankle
Delgado- hip impingement
Church- concussion
Marlon Anderson- Bruised chest and sore jaw
Jose Reyes- bruised Leg/knee
Valentine- ACL replacement surgery
Beltran- 2 Knees cleaned out
Castillo- 2 knees cleaned out
Abreu- strained hip-flexor
Schneider- sore hamstring
Chavez- pulled hamstring
El' Duque- foot


And I probably missed a few other injuries. This is a perfect reason why you need depth and youth on the team. Young players tend to heal faster, and when older players get hurt, someone needs to be there to pick up the pieces. Alou' is almost as fragile as El' Duque, and El'Duque hasn't even thrown batting practice yet. This also proves my point that Alou' shouldn't be asked back next year unless it's on the cheap and as a bench/platoon player. And El' Duque has shown his true colors this spring. He's too sore to pitch, but refuses to go to the pen. Talk about being a team player. If he's not careful, he'll be in New Orleans in April & May while Pelfrey pitches in NYC. Even Willie is getting tied of all the excuses for not pitching.

That brings me to the pitching this spring. What a difference a year makes. This year, there is a surplus of talented arms fighting for a spot or two on the staff.

Pelfrey gets my vote as the 5th starter. He's pitched 5 innings and hasn't given up a run so far. And he's been going against the starters on the opposing teams, not the scrubs. I'd rather have him out there every 5th day, then wonder if El' Duque is going to make his scheduled start.

Maine was very good today in his 2nd start. 3 innings, 3 strikeouts, and 1 run allowed. He seems like he's getting into game shape and should be impressive this year.

Santana was roughed up in his 1st start, but he seemed to be fine in the 2nd inning. He was working on his fastball location in the 1st inning, and gave up a 3 run HR to Juan Gonzales. Juan seems to own Johan. But, when Johan mixed in his change-up and slider in the 2nd inning, things calmed down.

Perez seemed OK, but he's like the other pitchers this spring. The 1st time out, they worry about location, not runs allowed. His 2nd outing will give us a better idea of the possibilities for Ollie this year.

Pedro has yet to pitch in a game this spring. Unlike El' Duque, Pedro's thrown live BP and in the pen. He claims to be 100% healthy and ready to go. Here's hoping for 180-200 innings from Pedro this year.

What's really been impressive this spring is the minor league, newly signed, and non-roster pitchers. They are smoking the hitters and showing that maybe the cupboard on the farm isn't so bare. Niese, Kunz, Padilla, Figueroa, Rincon, Register, Stokes, Collazo, and Muniz are all showing they may be useful this year. As a matter of fact, Sosa and Schoeneweis are being shopped to other teams.
Wise has pitched well too, and should take some of the load off Heilman this summer. Wagner is rounding into shape and is even messing around with throwing a curve-ball. I heard him say this week that Santana is a big help in keeping Billy's arm action consistent. Johan and Billy both throw from the left, and have a similar arm angle. Maybe this will help keep Billy from slipping into a bad habit later in the year.

What do all of you think about this spring? Should Pelfrey be the 5th starter? Who will be traded? Who will make the bull-pen? Let us know.