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The New York Mets missed out on a deal for former Chicago White Sox right hander Javier Vazquez, who was dealt to Atlanta. On the surface, Vazquez appeared to be exactly the type of starter the Mets needed: dependable and durable. In each of the past nine seasons, he has pitched at least 198 innings, recorded at least 150 strikeouts and won at least 10 games. How many Mets starters can be expected to do that next year?

Johan Santana is one. John Maine is coming off bone spur surgery and is hardly a sure thing. Mike Pelfrey took a huge leap forward in 2008 but, having thrown 200 and 2/3 innings (48 more than he had in any other season in his career), he could be in for a slight drop-off next year. Both could excel in 2009, too, but the Mets can't bank on it.

Judging by the White Sox' haul for Vazquez and Boone Logan, the Mets certainly had the prospects to get the two players. But Minaya may be saving up for a run at a closer (if his winter meetings pursuit of Francisco Rodriguez and Brian Fuentes goes awry), relief help or a to-be-determined starter, according to the New York Times.

The trade route may wind up being the Mets' best bet for starting pitching help now that Derek Lowe and old friend Oliver Perez, both Scott Boras clients, seem headed for multi-year deals at lengths and costs that would exceed the Mets' range. They may be less inclined to make a run at another steady right-hander, Jon Garland, now that he's been offered arbitration and, as a Type A free agent, would cost them two draft picks. If they sign either K-Rod or Fuentes, who are both Type A's, as well, it'll cost the Mets those picks. But if the Mets, as expected, cannot sign Perez, they would receive two picks in return.

Source: New York Times