What To Do With John Maine - We've Seen This Before

The big question of the day: "What to do with John Maine." We all know the SS Maine has been sinking for the better part of two years, and looks beyond repair.

This isn't the first time this has happened. The Mets, not too long ago, had another pitcher who never put up great numbers, but was a good pitcher. His apparent demise seemed inescapable in May 2001.

The pitcher? Steve Trachsel. Many to this day don't like Trachsel. I am not one of them. He pitched better for the Mets than Tom "Not Devastated" Glavine during the same time period.




In a start in May 2001, Trachsel became the first Mets pitcher to surrender four home runs in one inning. He was 1-6 with a 8.24 ERA. He was having difficulties. The 30 year old looked as if he couldn't get anyone out.

The Mets approached Trachsel and asked if he would accept an assignment to AAA Norfolk to work out the kinks. Trachsel, who at that point had five years of Major League experience didn't have to accept the demotion. Being a true professional, he acquiesced and accepted the assignment.

At the time Trachsel said, "I was pretty shocked. I thought they'd make me skip a start or move to the bullpen. But they have precedent on their side that this had worked."

The precedent had been set when Bobby J. Jones was sent down, and he had good results when he came back.

Trachsel went down to Norfolk and went 2-0 with a 2.79 ERA. He pitched in three games, starting one. Trachsel checked his ego at the door because he realized the Mets needed him, and he had to better himself.

It is time for John Maine to act in the same responsible manner. Maine is 0-1 with a 13.50 ERA after only two games. He allowed 8 runs in three innings yesterday, also committing an error. In two starts he has lasted only 8 innings, averaging four innings per start. In defense of Jerry, he either made or allowed Maine to complete the third inning, which is uncharacteristic for the manager.

It's time to not only own-up, but to step up. Much as Keith and Gary were saying in last night's broadcast, the big problem was Maine, along with Pelfrey and Perez, was guaranteed a spot in the rotation without competition. It should never have been that way. Remember Pat Misch? He was waived, cleared waivers, and is in AAA now. Figgy? He is pitching with the rival Phillies right now. Either one of these pitchers would have done a better job than Maine thus far. He hasn't been able to crack the 90 MPH limit on his fastball. He used to throw 94-95 MPH.

Trachsel was 30 when he was sent down, and it might have saved his career. Maine is 29 on May 8th this year. How important is it for him to save his career?

Time for Maine to save his sinking ship; accept an assignment to AAA Buffalo.

Source: The Wisconsin State Journal