It is just another couple of days before pitchers and catchers report to Spring Training and unlike a few weeks ago, I am now excited about this date. Of course the focus will be around Johan Santana—It should be. Honestly, that is the reason why I am most excited right now but it is far from the most important aspect of this date.
I say that because, Santana clearly will be starting. He will be the ace of the staff and most likely he will be the opening day pitcher. We know that. There are a number of pitching questions that the Mets still need to answer. These include: Is Pedro ready to go and ready for a full season (I don’t know that we will have a definite answer to all that but we should have some indication)? The same can be asked about El Duque, with the same comment about the answer. Is Mike Pelfrey going to be the fifth started and will he have a full year to flourish and blossom as there will be less pressure on him?
I see the Mets just signed Tony Armas Jr. Last year his numbers were not very good. Career-wise they are a little more impressive. Yes, the Mets signed him to a minor league contract but exactly what did they get?
How about Dauner Sanchez? Is he back in pitching shape and can he compete and play the way he did before he was injured? After seeing the collapse they went through last year, what about the entire bullpen? Is it ready to go and protect leads?
Yes, Santana gives the Mets a lot of answers. Yes Santana is a great pitcher and he will be fun to watch. Still, with just another couple of days before Spring Training starts for pitchers and catchers, I do hope to get some answers to these questions.
I guess the biggest advantage of having Santana is, now instead of dreading finding out the answers (or at least having some concerns) I am looking forward to it!
Let’s Go Mets!
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