In fact, the entire staff, minus Johan Santana, is 3?4 with a 6.89 ERA through 51 innings, during which opponents are batting .274 against them.

Maine is looking better. He is making good pitches, ?theyre just missing by a hair, as he says, or hes not getting the call. The discussion about Maine has actually switched from concern over his shoulder to concern over his confidence. In the end, I trust hell be fine.

Pelfrey is working through forearm tendinitis, and told reporters he intends to pitch on Saturday. He still has the ability to be a top starter when healthy, so I prefer to see how he recovers before rushing to judgment on where he stands today.

Perez is Perez, though I do feel he suffered a major set back by how he pitched and practiced in the World Baseball Classic.

I wanted the Mets to sign Derek Lowe, but it is quite clear at this point, despite Lowe having interest in New York , and the Mets having interest in him, the team was never going to give him four years, and the Braves were never going to be outbid after losing John Smoltz to Boston.

Perez, like Pelfrey and Maine, should work back to form, but even when he does, he is still a 50?50 proposition at best.

In short, I believe in Maine and Pelfrey. I have never been shy in my fear of Perez. Nevertheless, I trust all three of these pitchers will turn it around before the season ends. However, this type of pitching cannot go on forever. I hope it ends soon, because the longer it goes on, the bigger hole this team will have to crawl out of to win this division.

Speaking of pitchers?

According to the Daily News, though Nelson Figueroa cleared waivers, he plans to refuse an assignment to Triple-A Buffalo and declare free agency.

?i like nelson, and think hes an ideal fit to be a long-man and a relief pitcher for the Mets ? but, truth is, the long-man spot has always belonged to Tim Redding, who will likely return to the Mets in May? so, i dont blame nelson for wanting to look around the league for a new job?

Newstex ID: Mets -0001-34355955