With the Mets already improving the bullpen for the 2009 season the focus now turns to another glaring weakness...the starting rotation. Obviously 'Slowhand' Santana will be up for another Cy Young winning campaign this year, and with Mike Pelfry's emergence last season the front end looks pretty good. John Maine is in a make it or brake it year. A solid performance this year will go along way with making the New York Mets front runners to de-thrown (how painful is this to say) the World Champion Phillies ( I just threw up in my mouth a little, sorry). But the backend of the rotation is nonexistent. Even if Shea-Dro Martinez makes a heroic comeback to silence his critics he is damaged good and his health will be in question with each pitch he throws. And John Niese????? Really???? John Niese is going to win a playoff game in the 30 degree fall air to push the Mets into the 2009 World Series? I am skeptical to say the least, but I don’t get paid millions to evaluate 'talent' all I do is write about it. And as a writer I'd have to say that a guy like AJ Burnett or even Ben Sheets or Derek Lowe might, just might, be a little better play then a broken down "Dro" and that other guy.