Mets Fever: A closer look at the available #2's...

Here's a concern moving forward, unless the Mets are going to build an incredible offense to over compensate for a mediocre rotation they need a solid number two pitcher.

I Don't see the Mets signing Matt Holliday, Bengie Molina, Orlando Hudson, Garret Atkins ( for the bench) and trading for Adrian Gonzalez, so the rotation will need to be addressed.

As far as free agency, there is John Lackey who you will have to out bid several teams for and if you pass the next level of pitchers are exactly what we already have; John Maine, Oliver Perez and Mike Pelfrey in a very good year can be solid #2 pitchers but in an off year they are all #4's.

Behind Lackey is a group of good pitchers, who in their best years have been #2's and their worst years more like #4's; Jason Marquis, Joel Pineiro, Jon Garland, and Randy Wolf.

Of course, there is another group of free agent pitchers who are much better then the above group but are also much more of a risk and I believe after last year the Mets will steer clear of them despite the possible reward. They include Rich Harden, Ben Sheets, John Smoltz, Brad Penny and Eric Bedard.

Onto the trade front, the biggest name out there is Roy Halladay and it appears he will definitely get moved ( source MLBTR). I just don't see Omar parting with that many prospects or Jeff paying that much for two players, the Johan deal was their big move, I hope I'm wrong but I'd be very surprised if they're even serious players.

Here's a quick look at who else maybe available via trade...

The Marlins, Tigers, Indians, Reds are considered to be big sellers, while the Rangers, Astros, Padres, have been rumored to have financial difficulties. Of course, the Royals and Pirates always seem to have someone available and the Orioles are re-building. I'm not sure where the Rockies, Braves, Rays and Twins stand...

Some of these guys may never be made available while others may cost too much in prospects and there are probably a handful that I missed or never heard of, but one thing should be clear, for a buyer in this market there should be plenty of options...

Josh Johnson

Ricky Nolasco

Edwin Jackson

Nate Robertson

Dontrele Willis

Jeremy Bonderman

Jake Westbrook

Aaron Harang

Bronson Arroyo

Kevin Millwood

Wandy Rodriguez

Chris Young