Freddy Garcia Wants to Be in the New York Mets Starting Rotation

In a piece for Newsday , David Lennon talks about how newly-acquired Mets' pitcher Freddy Garcia has no intent of beginning this upcoming season in the minor leagues, despite joining the team on a minor-league deal. Rather, Garcia intends to begin the season as the team’s fifth starter in a rotation that already includes Johan Santana, Oliver Perez, Mike Pelfrey and John Maine. However, Garcia will face competition for the last remaining spot in the rotation in the form of both Tim Redding and Jon Niese. When asked about the possibility of not making the big league club, Garcia had the following to say, "If I can pitch, I don't have nothing to prove in the minor leagues." Garcia also shares a strong bond with Mets' ace Johan Santana, which can only help his chances of being in the starting rotation. The two met in 1995 at a Venezuelan baseball camp and since have been great friends. Mets' officials also feel that Garcia has the biggest upside at the moment, as just as recently ... (link)