The bullpen double dip performed by Omar Minaya at the winter meetings means that the Mets' chief offseason priority has been checked off the list. Next on the list is shoring up a rotation that has only one member written in ink. Johan Santana is splendid, but neither Mike Pelfrey nor John Maine can be relied on as a number two to help him carry the load over 162 games. Pelfrey may find his way there at some point, but the Mets need someone who can do the job for 2009 and, if need be, beyond.
Tim Redding and Randy Wolf are not pitchers who can play that role. Each one is believed to be of interest to the Mets and neither one could be better than the fourth starter on a team with designs on contention. Redding was non-tendered by the Nationals, becoming a free agent, and went 10-11 with a 4.95 ERA last season. The Daily News speculates the Mets interest may be because Redding was 3-1 against the Phillies. Unless the Mets are going to keep him under glass otherwise, though, Redding seems like a last resort for a team that needs a guy who can beat everybody.
Wolf pitched well in 12 starts with Houston after a trade last season and is a lefty, something the Mets are currently lacking. His 33 starts last season were more than he made in 2006 and 2007 combined, however, and he hasn't thrown 200 innings since 2003. He'd be a fine addition if the Mets only need was an experienced fifth starter who could come in handy against the Chase Utleys of the world, but counting on him to both hold up and pitch well over a full season are bridges too far for a guy who hasn't shown the ability to do both for quite some time.
The Mets are aiming low when they should be aiming Lowe. Derek Lowe would be an excellent fit behind Santana. You can set your clock to his 200+ innings and he's pitched in every situation that you could ever imagine. He won't come cheap, but neither will the other two free agents who fit their needs. Oliver Perez is streaky and Ben Sheets gets hurt too much for the Mets to roll the dice on his talent.
Minaya acquired Francisco Rodriguez and J.J. Putz so the Mets made their leads stand up. Compromising on the rotation makes it more likely that those moves will be in vain.
