New York Mets' Starting Pitching is NL's Best

On paper the New York Mets have arguably the deepest pitching rotation in the National League. If their pitching can stay healthy the Mets will return to the postseason after their embarrassing collapse late last year. Johan Santana is the best pitcher in the MLB. He is coming over to the National League and pitching in a pitcher-friendly ballpark (Shea Stadium) where he has had past success. Past pitchers such as Andy Pettitte and Roger Clemens have had success making the shift to the National League. Santana could be the Mets first 20 game winner in some time. Last year, he finished the season 15-13 with a 3.33 ERA. From 2004 to 2006, Santana averaged an 18-6 record, 2.75 ERA and 248 strikeouts. It is hard to consider a guy that is only going to throw five to six innings a solid No. 2 starter. It’s also hard to put Pedro Martinez in the No. 2 spot when he has not pitched a full season since 2005. For the Mets, though, they can afford to have Pedro in this slot at beginning ... [link]