Sunday, September 14, 2008

Niese To Avert Disaster

Jonathon Niese provided the clutch performance that the Mets needed and didn't get last year from Phil Humber. On a day where the Mets could have lost a game and a half in the standings, Niese pitched eight scoreless innings. If the Mets can win today and the Phillies split their doubleheader, the Mets will have had another solid week picking up a game on the Phillies.

Niese became the youngest Mets to win a start since Generation K. The monkeys have mentioned that Niese is more likely a potential middle of the rotation starter than potential ace, but the Mets have an ace in Johan Santana, a budding #2 in Mike Pelfrey and a solid #3 in Maine assuming he comes back healthy next year. Even if the Mets are able to sign Oliver Perez, there is room in next year's rotation for Niese if he can continue to take the bull by the horns.

It's really time to give Omar his due in selecting which farmhands to give up this offseason. He was able to hang on to Pelfrey, Fmart, Murphy and Niese in his deal for Santana. The guys he gave up have hardly been impressive so far. While the monkeys understand that the Twins would prefer Carlos Gomez to Fmart due to their immediate need for a center fielder, we are still mystified that they didn't demand Mike Pelfrey in the deal.

2 weeks to go. It's going to be a fun ride.

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