Pedro & the impact on Vargas, Pelfrey, Smith, Heilman.....

One of the most frustrating parts of last weeks 3-1 series loss to the Nationals was the outstanding starting pitching the Mets received.

Mike Pelfrey looked solid pitching 7.2 innings in which he allowed one run on three hits, three walks while striking out four. After giving up 14 runs in three starts against playoff caliber teams ( Arizona, Philly, Atl.), Pelf. bounced back with two solid performances. With his ERA hovering in the mid fours, I think it's critical for the young righty to gain experience in the majors. But he may not give the team their best chance to win against competitive teams. It's hard to allow a young pitcher to struggle, despite the value of the lessens learned when your vying for a championship.....

Claudio Vargas finished spring training in the Brewers camp with a mid 3 ERA, but was cut in a salary dump move. Vargas has always had a very good SO/BB ratio but his ERA has crept up each year he's been in the league, despite the high ERA he has 23 wins over the last two years. Vargas was signed to a minor league deal when Pedro went down and was recalled after Nelson Figueroa stumbled. All Vargas was asked to do in his first start was keep the club in the game, he did much better then that in 6.1 innings, he allowed just 2 runs on 3 hits and 4 walks while striking out six. Vargas has also been a long man in 2004 for the Expos with Schneider as his catcher, in 31 gms ( 52 innings ) he had a 4.61 ERA. Could Vargas be the crafty veteran that has finally learned how to use his skills, for him it's a high 90s fastball maybe this years Sosa or Oliver.

"I've really been looking forward to getting another chance because I want to show [the Mets] I can do this all the time," said Vargas, who gets tonight's nod against Jorge Campillo. "I want to show people that what I did the other night wasn't an accident or a fluke," said Vargas source NY Post

Both pitchers throw this week against Atlanta and with Pedro edging closer to returning they maybe competing for that last spot in the rotation. Vargas gets beat up and as soon as Pedro returns he's gone. But if Vargas looks good and Pelfrey struggles then Omar may decide to keep Vargas since Pelfrey still has options. Vargas had several suitors prior to picking the Mets, so if he can keep his ERA down there's no way he makes it through waivers. There's no guarantee that Pedro can remain healthy when he returns so it might be important to find away to keep Vargas. It could be that Vargas is moved to the pen but then who goes. Once again Joe Smith one of our best relievers is in jeopardy of losing his spot because he has options. Again Heilman appears to have options but the club isn't acting like he does, he could really use some time in the minors.....

The reunion of Pedro Martinez and the Mets, not to be confused with the return of Martinez to active duty, is to happen this week while the team is here to play four games in three days against the Braves. Martinez's return to the rotation may follow closely, though. The pitcher who was to have been the team's No. 2 starter could make his second big league start of the season shortly, possibly at Shea Stadium as soon as next week. source MLB.com