Now about that rotation.

It doesn’t look good at all. The decision to not acquire talent during the off-season looks to be a poor one. Johan Santana is a given and the Mets committed their money well. He’s a Hall of Famer, but could be a 1970′s version of Steve Charlton if no one else emerges to get outs beyond the first five innings of games.

Thus, the Mets have to end their past formula for winning games which dictates just getting five innings from starters and following it up with three relievers working an inning a piece. Aside from Santana, no other starter has demonstrated the ability to do this. A change in philosophy is in order, but the Mets have not shown any inclination to change.

Perhaps they should ask a few of their current employees who do television about it. Bobby Ojeda and Ron Darling understood their role as a starting pitcher very well. They both started for a club that won a World Series, won two division titles and finished second three other times.

A private man, Hernandez has clearly gotten comfortable with the camera and agreed to be miked up for an SNY session. But the brief piece revealed his hypersensitive sense of awareness.

When modeling the position, he talked about multiple things he was able to note while coming off the base and with a man on third. Hernandez’ uncanny ability to rely on peripheral vision, while making athletic moves was what seperated him from all others who have played the position.

This attention to detail of what was occurring during games often shocked teamates. It’s often hard to explain and I really don’t think that Hernandez, an extremely modest man, understands that he.

We are all lucky though as he it to Mets’ telecasts.

When thought of in terms of the roster, it makes sense. He can play both infield and outfield corner positions. In an emergency, he can play second base (7 games in 2009) and even shortstop (2 games). Importantly, he knows what the Mets’ situation is. The club wants and needs Daniel Murphy to succeed at first base.

Murphy represents the only young everyday player that they are currently trying to develop at the major league level. He seems to be entering the season a stronger and better athlete. Murphy’s 38 doubles last season display significant potential for power and run production.

Any negatives impressions from last season hold less weight as Murphy never had a consistent place in the batting order. Intrestingly, he proved to be a pretty good RBI guy by hitting .345 with runners in scoring position with 2 out. Jerry Manuel’s recent comparison of Murphy to Mark DeRosa are thoughtful, and I think that he did that to motivate him. I doubt that Murphy wants to be considered as a utility player. I see him as a more durable Dave Magadan and with more power.

Another bad idea is to not have a plan for Parnell for next season. Start? Or relieve? The Joba Chamberlain model is a good one for the Mets to use.

A downward spiral began for Chambelain when Hank Steinbrenner popped off about him being in the rotation. The Yankees baseball professionals had a very good blueprint for Chamberlain that included a limited number of innings. Just the thing for a set-up role. Chamberlain went from an untouchable to potential trade bait.

Say what you will about the Wilpons, but neither goes off half cocked and discredits their baseball people in the media. They’ve been around long enough and know how to follow the progress of young pitching talent.

So does the import of a talented, but untried Japanese fireballer in Igarashi give the Mets the leverage to move Parnell to the rotation?

Please say no.

Ryota Igarashi cannot be counted on to get big outs in the 8th inning this year. Not yet. And not at the beginning anyway. Parnell probably can. Hardened by enduring an embarrassing season as last year, Parnell will be ready to get the ball facing go ahead runs. Especially if they tell him he’s going to be doing it right now.

I was exhauted everyday I got home after football practice. Our Classic-sort of a dress rehersal- went well and I sense the coaches were pleased. The freshmen and JV squads get games this week. Luckily they’re at home. The opener is Friday against a local rival. It should prove to be quite the civic event.

My classes are smaller, less likley to act up. I’ve noticed a difference in atmosphere. Its been awhile since They were this small – range from 20 to 24.

His latest performance, two hits in the Mets’ 5-1 victory Sunday, put his batting average with the Mets at .300 in 100 at-bats. Francoeur has played in 26 games since being acquired from the Braves for Ryan Church and has gone hitless in merely seven of them — and never in more than two straight. He drove in 19 runs in his first 20 games after the trade. And he has provided the aggressive and strong-armed defense that Mets had anticipated.

The Mets got Francouer as a result of John Ricco’s leg work. Good job. As a result, they have a young, athletic rightfielder who’s game is suited for Citi Field. Noble’s numbers indicate he’s a run producer as well. Going into next season, it’s nice to know that it’s a position that’s settled going into 2010.

As Putz only needed to have spurs removed, his return this season was likely. If he had soft tissue damage to a ligament or tendon, it would have been see you next year.

A return of both Putz and Billy Wagner seems imminent sometime this month. There wasn’t any need to spend what few minor league assets the Mets had on an arm with these two returning.

September could be different in that Manuel will have an expanded roster with more players on the bench to pinch hit. A bullpen that includes Putz and Wagner will benefit a staff who’s starters do not go deep into games. If the Mets recall a catcher, they will be able to pinch-hit and double switch comfortably.

If they are in contention it will make sense to promote the two major league bats that are on the AAA roster in Mike Lamb and Nick Evans.

The injuries to JJ Putz and Jose Reyes are concerning and they will take time to heal, but both will get better.

A bone spus is an irritant, and as long as nothing else is damaged, Putz will be fine. It does sound as if he should have had it cleaned out after last season though.

I find the MRI read on Reyes hamstring tendon dubious as its easy to over read hot spots in soft tissue. It’s likely that the hamstring became a problem after the calf. But the Mets must realize that Reyes cannot go everyday like Wright can despite the similarity in ages.

Wright appears to be particularly durable, not unlike Cal Ripken was. Few players are. Travel combined with an increased variety in game start times makes it much harder on today’s players than there was even a decade ago.

Consistency in the Mets’ rotation reamins their biggets concern, although I am encouraged that they are getting deeper into games.

Lets hope Jonathan Niese pitches well enough to stay in the rotation and that the remarkable Ken Takahashi continues to make his strong contribution to the bullpen, as it will be good to have another lefty in the pen.

The line-up and depth are beginning to be a strength as players whom come off the bench are seen as regulars by the other club. Usually two of the quartet of Daniel Murphy, Fernando Tatis, Gary Sheffield and Ryan begin the game on the bench. As they are considered to be 3 thru 6 hitters in an everyday lineup and not just pinch hitters opposing managers have less favorable matchups against their bullpen.

I look forward to more games like today’s where the club uses needs to use two pitchers, instead of its customary 3 or 4 out of the pen on games they win.

Brian Stokes has only allowed one unearned run in 11 outings this season. Along with Takahashi, the duo allows the struggling Sean Green and, when he returns, Oliver Perez to get it together.