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Deep Bullpen Answer To Issues In Rotation; By JOHN ALTAVILLA, Courant Staff Writer
Topic Started: Feb 12 2007, 05:46 AM (50 Views)
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Mets general manager Omar Minaya has proved he'll spare no expense to help the Mets get to the World Series. And if not for Yadier Molina's two-run homer off reliever Aaron Heilman in the ninth inning of Game 7 of the NLCS at Shea Stadium, the Mets might have reached their first one since 2000.

But even Minaya knows his limits. Former A's ace Barry Zito was looking for too many years and too much money to anchor a pitching staff.

So Minaya let the Giants give Zito seven years and $126 million and is content to rebuild with younger starting arms and multiple options in the bullpen.

With Tom Glavine, 41, and Orlando Hernandez, 40, set to lead the staff while Pedro Martinez, 35, recovers from October rotator cuff surgery that will keep him out until after the All-Star Game, the Mets hope three or four of their young pitchers can shoulder the remainder of innings.

Those roles will take on greater importance if Martinez, who has also struggled with toe, hip and calf injuries, isn't able to return before August, or if Glavine and Hernandez show their age.

Here's a look at the team heading into spring training.

Starting pitching

Willie Randolph's options are numerous, even though one of the candidates, lefty Dave Williams, is out at least three months after neck surgery last week.

Steve Trachsel and Victor Zambrano are no longer with the organization. So leading the pack are righthanders Chan Ho Park (7-7, 4.81 ERA), John Maine (6-5, 3.60), Mike Pelfrey (2-1, 5.48), Philip Humber and lefty Oliver Perez (3-13, 6.55), who started and pitched well in that Game 7 against the Cardinals. Park was acquired Friday. Pelfrey and Humber are former No. 1 picks.

Veteran righthander Aaron Sele, 36, is a non-roster invitee and could also factor in.

Bullpen

Minaya's specialty has been stocking middle-inning relievers in hopes two or three can be reliable and get to closer Billy Wagner (40 saves, 2.24). Heilman (3.62) returns in the set-up role he performed so well, even though he pitched most of the season with elbow pain.

He will be joined by Duaner Sanchez (2.60), who was lost for the last part of 2006 after injuring his shoulder in a taxicab accident in Florida.

Gone are Chad Bradford (Orioles), Roberto Hernandez (Indians), Darren Oliver (Angels) and Heath Bell (Padres).

Another lefty, Scott Schoeneweis, was signed to complement Pedro Feliciano. Schoeneweis has allowed one homer to a left-handed hitter in the last two seasons. But the biggest impact could be made by righthander Ambiorix Burgos, 22, who struck out 137 in 1362/3 innings with the Royals, but also walked 68 and threw 19 wild pitches.

Infield

The alignment remains the same with first baseman Carlos Delgado (.265, 38 HR, 114 RBI), second baseman Jose Valentin (.271, 18 HR, 62 RBI), third baseman David Wright (.311, 26 HR, 116 RBI) and shortstop Jose Reyes (.300, 19 HR, 81 RBI).

Delgado is recovering from right wrist and elbow surgery and said he may miss the season-opener in St. Louis to be with his wife, who is expected to give birth the first week of April.

Catcher Paul Lo Duca (.318, 5 HR, 49 RBI) overcame a month of tabloid tension over his broken marriage and a torn tendon in his right thumb to excel in his first season in place of Mike Piazza.

Outfield

The Mets essentially traded left fielder Cliff Floyd (now with the Cubs) for Moises Alou, 40, who comes to New York after an injury-plagued season playing for his father, Felipe, in San Francisco. Alou had 345 at-bats and hit .301 with 22 homers and 74 RBI.

Carlos Beltran had a great season (.275, 41 HR, 116 RBI) in center and the Mets are hoping Shawn Green (.277, 15 HR, 66 RBI) can protect him in the lineup.

Bench

The role of departed utility infielder Chris Woodward may be played by veteran Damion Easley, who has 27 homers the last three seasons. He's played second, short, third and first, and even has 39 starts in right field. Veteran Julio Franco, who will be 49 in August, may also make the team again as a right-handed pinch hitter and father figure to the younger Hispanic players on the team.

Minaya acquired outfielders Ben Johnson (Padres) and David Newhan (Orioles) to compete for backup outfield jobs with Endy Chavez, who will be remembered for his catch in Game 7 of the NLCS. Johnson's chance to make the team probably depends on whether Randolph carries 11 or 12 pitchers.

Ramon Castro is one of the best backup catchers in the majors with a strong arm and surprising power.
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