Omar Minaya’s Top 5 Best Moves – Countdown – #3 – Maine Acquired

January 21, 2006: New York Mets traded Kris Benson to the Baltimore Orioles for John Maine and Jorge Julio.Ok let’s forget the Jorge Julio part. Looking back on this, I rate this as the # 3 best move Minaya made as the Mets GM. At the time, it didn’t look all that groundbreaking, but in retrospect, the Mets clearly got the better half of this one.

John Maine is now an integral part of the Mets starting rotation. He has the ability to step up his game and show some Ace like stuff many times throughout a given season. Granted, last year was unfortunately cut short for Mr. Maine, but I feel 2009 will be another amazing year for this incredible young starter.

in 2007 Maine went 15-10 with a 3.91 ERA and in 2008 Maine went 10-8 with a 4.18 ERA. Like perez, these numbers aren’t staggering. They are however something I feel will improve this year and next. For the Win column, I know that more of his games (and Johans) will end in W’s and not a big ND!

Finally, I feel Maine will win betwen 18 and 21 games this year. Not to menton the projected 18 – 21 for Mr. Santana as well. I have the highest of hopes for our starters this year. Anyways, Minaya made a solid move here, giving up next to nothing for a blooming young pitcher by the name of John Maine.

Stay tuned for # 2 on the list…I’ll give you a hint, his name wasn’t mentioned in this post…

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