Pitching Front

Last night Orlando Hernandez made his first rehab start and all reports are that he had a solid performance. Hernandez pitched five innings in which he allowed two runs on three hits and one walk, while striking out six. El Duque stated that he wasn't quite there with his control despite only walking one and would need 2-3 more starts to be ready to start the season.

"It's a little tough, but I think day to day it's getting better," Hernandez said, referring to the bunion on his right foot. "I need to throw, I need to work out." source Adam Rubin/Daily News

Omar Minaya, by all reports is being patient as he gauges El Duque's progress and the internal options for the rotation; Pelfrey, Figgy, Sosa. Reports indicate that he has spoken to Claudio Vargas' agent but it doesn't appear to be a match, Vargas' team believes they can land a major league deal and Omar is only offering a minor league deal. Yesterday, Ken Davidoff of Newsday speculated on Robinson Tejada and today David Lennon reports that the team has expressed interest in the DFA pitcher.

Stringfellow did not rule out the Mets but said he was close to a deal with another team Monday night before it fell through. And with a handful of other clubs interested, there is the strong possibility that Vargas could be signed before the end of the weekend.The Mets have interest in the Rangers' Robinson Tejeda, a person familiar with the situation said, but a deal does not appear imminent. Tejeda was designated for assignment last Saturday. source Newsday

In a more odd article Bruce Jenkins of the San Francisco Chronicle believes that the A's will cont. their fire sale throughout the season and are auditioning Rich Harden to prove that he's healthy. Jenkins speculated that the Mets were one of the teams that maybe interested in Harden. With Johan and Maine here for years I don't think were looking for a top end pitcher, besides for that matter they can spend the money on Ollie at the end of the season because we don't have the chips for that trade.

If this was an audition, you figured the Mets, Yankees, Cardinals and Tigers(among many others) were somewhere in the audience. It might take another half-dozen good starts before anyone is convinced that Harden is for real. In their current state, the A's will take whatever comes their way. source SF Gate

Matt at Metsblog has the best idea for the rotation if we need another pitcher....

my bet, based solely on speculation and past behavior: the Mets will look in to Freddy Garcia, who will reportedly be ready in June…if you recall, the Mets and garcia talked in the off-season, and he’s still a free agent…he could sign a minor-league deal, rehab with the team, and if el duque or pedro suffer a set back, garcia would be ready around the same time… source Metsblog