Second, while Pridie and Span are probably more experienced hitters, all 3 candidates had basically the same BA in spring training. The difference is that Gomez is a superior defender and he stole 12 of 13 bases. Every time he got on base he seemed to score. Sound familiar? Yup, he has that same type of blistering speed and baserunning skills that make Reyes such a valuable player and which can change the whole nature of a game in a blink. I think that’s why they decided to go with him now.

Maybe it’s good to be “rushed,” if that’s what you want to call it. I’d like to call it simply being pushed. I’m sure both Gomez and the Twins are glad he got that experience last year. Without being “rushed,” Gomez might have been ticketed for AAA this year.

Then the last 4 will just do good enough to help the team go all the way.

The first 4 starters (except at time with OP) should be the best in the majors. And the 5th starter may not be more trouble then any other teams 5th starter.

95 to 100 wins.

And the nice part of it is that they should end up with the best 3 going into October.

.

I guess that means Pelfrey will get the nod. They should tell him he is going to NO so that he forgets about having to show what he can do to make club.

The 06 season was an aberation-lots of hitting, good BP, very little SP (as measured by the fact that 13 guys started games).

I'd rather have the best SP, a good BP and a so-so offense.

Here is the point. Many keep saying that offense will be bad like last yr.

Guess what? Mets scored 804 runs, 4th best in NL.

Guess what? If they score 800 runs this yr w/Santana, a healthy Pedro and a better/same Maine and OP, and a better BP they don't win 88 games, they win more than needed to win NL East.

Guess what? They have basically the same offense unless you believe that Delgado is going to fall off the map (.240/15/55) and Alou is going to play 30 games.

They held on until the last day last yr not b/c of such a poor offense but b/c eldud got hurt, and the BP got worn out b/c Sele and Show and Mota were ineffective.

Those pitching issues have been solved b/c Santana is here, Pedro is healthy and the BP does not have any stiffs (I think Show can be fine if used against lefties).

The first 4 are a given, but the next 4 are still a question marks? But I do feel that they will pick it up enough to make it worth while. And perhaps they may even be better then that.

But giving it up so early in the game does not make sense to me.

I'm not saying Maine will definitely win 20, I'm just saying that it woudln't surprise me. I know that Beckett's the only guy that won 20 last season, but care to take a stab at his numbers from the season before (16 wins, 5.01 ERA, 1.29 WHIP)?

So given Beckett's progression to a 20-game win total from that mediocre year before, why couldn't Maine hit 20 coming off of a better prior season (15/3.91/1.27) – especially considering that the pen behind him has been improved and the offense will still score plenty if they stay healthy?

Some said he was not ready for the full season. He has the talent and the head for it. He just needs to put it together.

The starters on this team 1-4 could all be 15 game winners. They just need the D and some timely hitting and heads up baserunning.

They can do it, but it is not a given.

Sloppy, your man Smith looks like he did well again today. I thought they would take Register as he last pen man, but maybe it will be Smith w/his fixed mechanics.

But the fact that his shoulder is acting up again and it is only March is not a good sign for him and Atl.