John Maine has pitched in two games since returning from the disabled list. He has totaled ten scoreless innings allowing just three hits and striking out nine batters. Rather than giving him props for returning as strong as he has, many are concerned about the number of pitches he is throwing during both those outings. It has led SNY and MetsBlog to start speculating a potential move to the bullpen for Maine and even taking over the role of closer if Billy Wagner misses an extended amount of time.
That’s just plain crazy talk if you ask me. The Mets would be shooting themselves in the foot if they allowed Maine to go from the starting rotation to the bullpen. It’s a desperate move and the Mets would be risking even more peril if they were to attempt such a thing.
The good thing is that none of this rabid speculation comes from the Mets… it’s just a slow news day at SNY and rather than talk about how fantastic Pedro and Maine have looked since returning from their most recent arm woes, they would rather take potshots at them and relegate them to just average bullpen fodder.
Does the bullpen need help? Absolutely. But you don’t dig yourself one hole, just so you can fill another. Running in place never gets you anywhere.
Have a great day!
