Okay so here’s the deal on Freddy “Start Me or Release Me” Garcia…

If only he could put as much velocity into his pitches as he can with his advice on the rotation…

The NY Post had this little tidbit tucked neatly at the bottom of this mornings Mets Notes.

Former All-Star Freddy Garcia’s soft tosses in batting practice this week aren’t convincing anyone he is fully recovered from reconstructive shoulder surgery.

Manuel said Garcia, who is in camp on a minor-league invite trying to win the fifth-starter job, isn’t being held back by the Mets’ medical staff.

“No, his name has not been mentioned as far as limitations,” Manuel said.

It’s actually the second time I read something like this on Freddy in the last six days.

I don’t know if he even can be counted to make the rotation unless he suddenly decides to go full throttle and show some signs of effectiveness. It’s too bad because I figured him to be a lock for the rotation.

Luckily, he only signed a minor league deal, so the Mets risked very little.

Unfortunately, it looks like Garcia won’t be making the list of Mets who we expect to have breakthrough seasons. (Sorry, that’s just an inside joke for one of our readers. You know who you are doctaK!)

Update: Garcia pitched in this afternoons intra-squad game, and Adam Rubin noted that he didn’t throw any fastballs.