Arms race; Ollie, Vargas and Armas......

Well Scott Boras can compare him to Johan Santana and Sandy Coufax all he wants but the fact is Oliver Perez is battling Mike Pelfrey as the weakest link in the rotation. No, I didn't forget Nelson Figeruoa but it's pretty clear he's only holding down a spot until they can move him to the long-man role. In my opinion while Pelfrey hasn't been impressive, he's at least been consistent. You know what your getting; five innings of 3-5 run ball. But with Perez you have absolutely no idea what your going to get and it's always in the back of your mind that his very next pitch could start another monumental meltdown. Perez could easily be the second best pitcher in this rotation but he always seems to get in his own way. After watching Haren this week I was wonder if slowing down his delivery would help improve his mechanics, Haren's exaggeratedly slow new delivery was not only deceptive to the hitters but also kept him on target. To be honest I don't think it's mechanical with Perez, it seems to be mental but I'd be willing to try anything to get that electrifying stuff from him consistently.....

I wasn't too impressed with Claudio Vargas' first outing in New Orleans when he only lasted four innings and gave up six runs on nine hits and a walk. But tonight Vargas rebounded with a very solid performance, going seven scoreless innings, allowing only four hits, while walking none and striking out seven. Vargas' numbers in spring training were decent with the Brewers going 3-1 in five starts with a 3.86 ERA. Last year he went 11-6 with a 5.09 ERA in 23 starts.

Tony Armas Jr. has given up three runs in his last two starts and been charged with the loss but he has made it to the sixth or further in the last three starts. Armas' record has dropped to 1-3 but his ERA is still solid at 3.02.

While we mill over the possibilities for the back end of the rotation, John Maine was incredible in LA and Johan Santana's moving closer with each start to mid-season form. Hopefully; Pedro will return and be able produce quality innings.

If the Mets decide they need to go outside the organization for another starter Jon Heyman of SI.com is reporting that Freddy Garcia will begin throwing may 15. Garcia, if healthy would be a very solid starter and wouldn't cost anything in players.