New York Mets fans had to wait 121 days to cheer about something, but it was worth the wait. When Johan Santana joined the Mets, almost instantaneously they were crowned the team to beat not only in the NL East but in the entire National League. While netting Santana obviously increases the Mets chances to go deep into October, he alone does not resolve all the question marks that surround Mets pitching.

Johan Santana left something to be desired last season. There have been some mumbles and grumbles that Santana’s elbow is not 100%. He stopped throwing his slider in the 2nd half of last season and not coincidentally his statistics dipped to well below his average. Santana went 5-7 with a 4.04 ERA post All Star Break. Although last season’s ERA was the highest it has been since he became a starter, it is not worrisome. Santana had 235 strikeouts which shows that he obviously still has the ability to fool hitters and that perhaps his 2nd half numbers might have just been an anomaly.

The Mets former #1 starter Pedro Martinez may be the key to the Mets success. Martinez, who missed all but 5 starts last season due to injury, needs to prove that he can be a true finesse pitcher. Martinez (who on a good day will touch 89-90 mph) will have to keep hitters off balance with breaking balls and precise location. When he finally arrived on the mound for the Mets in September last season, Pedro showed at least for a 5 game stretch that he did have the ability to do so. However being consistent for a 5 game stretch is a whole different ball game (pun intended) than doing it for 30-35 games. Which brings me to my next point: Pedro will also need to show that the injury bug is out of his system and that he can be on the mound for the Mets at least 28-30 times.

John Maine pitched as brilliantly as any pitcher in the National League for half of a season in 2007. Maine posted a record of 10-4 with a 2.71 ERA pre-All Star Break. Maine however fizzled when the Mets needed him most. In August and September, Maine boasted a 3-5 record and a 6.12 ERA. Granted, Maine pitched 191 innings compared to his previous career high of 90 innings. Fatigue setting in was almost inevitable for Maine. The Mets will need Maine to have superior conditioning and a proven 2nd pitch to go along with his heavy fastball. All signs point towards Maine having a successful 2008 campaign.

A pitcher who may be thinking about 2009 as much as 2008 is Oliver Perez. Perez, who has shown flashes of utter dominance, has also shown flashes of Rick Ankiel-ness. Perez is set to be a free agent after the ‘08 season (which could in fact benefit the Mets). Players have shown a propensity to have a breakout season the year their contract is expiring (see: Aaron Rowand). Perez’s biggest Achilles heel is his complete lack of consistency. When Perez is on he can be a top 5 pitcher, but when he is off, look out. If Perez can find his arm slot consistently look for him to be a 16-17 game winner.

To Duque or not to Duque, that is the question. Orlando “El Duque” Hernandez seems to be the early favorite to lock down the final spot in the Mets rotation. But much like Pedro Martinez, El Duque needs to prove he can stay on the mound. Throughout his short Met career he has shown that when he is on the mound, he can leave hitters looking baffled. But in the ‘07 season, El Duque had a dismal month of September. This may all mean nothing, if the Mets choose to throw still-kind-of-prospect Mike Pelfrey in the 5 slot. Pelfrey showed down the stretch last year that he possesses the gusto and skill set to hack it in the big leagues.

If everything falls into place for the Mets starting pitching in ‘08, look for the Mets (and myself) late in October.