Will the 2009 Starters Be the 2008 BLOWpen?

So the Mets fixed the bullpen, but the starting rotation looks like it's in need of some repair.

Another horrible starting pitching performance for the second straight night against the Cardinals ultimately lead to yet another loss. You could blame the Mets bats if you want. I wouldn't blame you. They made a no name pitcher who's name I've already forgotten, look like the ghost of Mike Scott.

However John Maine is just looking awful. He threw 70+ pitches in the first inning including a 29 pitch first inning. Maine walked 5, gave up 7 hits and 5 runs in just 5 2/3 innings pitched. Remember when you thought Maine was our #2 starter?

Add Maine to the wonderful signing of Oliver Perez, the injured and lackluster Mike Pelfrey and you have a set of arms who may cause as much damage as the 2008 BLOWpen. No wonder the Mets can score runs. They find themselves in a 4 run deficit every night. That's got to do wonders for the players confidence that they have a shot to win.

But Dave, it's only the third week of the season! Calm down! We have Tim Redding waiting to step in.

Exactly.