Neither of those prospects are expected to make much of an impact at the major league level this coming season, but for Mets fans- that's nothing for you to concern yourselves with right now. After all you have the best pitcher in the game as your team ace, and the former title holder in Pedro Martinez, as the number two in the rotation. Two 15 game winners in Oliver Perez and John Maine in the 3 and 4 spots, and either -the ageless wonder- Orlando "El Duque" Hernandez, or the very promising hard throwing Mike Pelfrey in the fifth spot.

Considering the fact that Johan has already been on the top of the fantasy lists over the last few years, and adding the understanding that he's coming out of that heavy-hitting AL to the pitcher friendly NL, if his numbers impressed you all then, you're all going to be amazed at the production you'll see in '08 and beyond.

In essence, the Mets have picked up two aces without giving up a great amount. It should be noted that the Mets, devoid of Pedro Martinez, had the division well in hand. By the time Pedro came back, the Mets were already losing control of their titanic expectations, and thus the unfathomable collapse was complete. 

But there was a lot of good which came about the end of the season, as difficult as it may seem to believe. Martinez clearly showed signs of fatigue in his outings. His intensely monitored innings still displayed the outstanding ability to work with what he had that day. As depleted of strength as he was from start to start, Pedro Martinez was dominant again. He's spent the entire off season continuing his rehabilitation, regaining his strength, focus, and most importantly, solidifying his team's confidence.

Looking back at 2007, the pitchers who really carried the team on their shoulders were Perez and Maine. The two least expected (by most) to do much at all. Now that burden has been removed from their persons, and transferred to the likes of two of the greatest pitchers in baseball history at the top of the rotation. It's scary to think of how dominant this rotation will be.

I don't want to discredit what El Duque did for the team either. Although he didn't boast the same wins, he was essential to the Mets even hanging on as long as they did. The team won 16 of his starts, and four other wins were his no-decisions. He pitched like the team ace at times, but injury and fatigue had been longstanding issues with him all throughout the season. It's for those reasons that I suggest keeping Pelfrey as the fifth starter, and moving the veteran to the bullpen. It's a move beneficial to all parties involved. It keeps Hernandez strong for the post season, and if provides the team with a true wizard of pitches as the long reliever.

However, El Duque can't do it on his own. The return of the 06 set-up phenom- Duaner Sanchez -is just as important to this Mets team as the ace they just acquired. He's returning after missing a year and a half to multiple injuries, surgeries, rehabbing, and mental grief. There were some concerns about his work ethic in the past, however, all signs and reports are that he is ready to go, and he will not have any restrictions -mental or physical- when it's time for Spring Training. I know I'm keeping my fingers crossed.

Adding him to a pen which already includes the current set-up reliever- Aaron Heilman - and superstar closer- Billy Wagner - and the Mets easily re-establish themselves as the team to beat for the foreseeable future. Even if Wagner doesn't believe so.

This pitching staff is going to be extremely impressive. The production from the entire team will trump that which we had seen from either of the last two seasons, and this may very well be the final piece for the ever-elusive championship for the New York Mets.