It has to be said. As a matter of fact, I believe Barajas said it (maybe another catcher, don't quite remember). They said he should be at least a #3 starter. Right now, I understand the rotation is pretty much set as Santana, Maine, Niese, Pelfrey, Perez with Tak2 and Figgy as long men. But I think Perez should be on a short leash, especially after a spring with a 8.66 ERA. I get it, some HR's were wind aided, maybe the defense wasn't quite what it will be in the Majors (can it get worse then our major league team?), but still his control was off as usual. 10:10 K:BB ratio is not something you want to see in a guy who has had past control issues. In ST I have watched Figgy and Tak2 pitch much better then some of the starters on this rotation. Assuming one of the starters goes down (injury or poor performance) either Figgy or Tak2 will step into a starters role. But does one or both of them deserve a spot now? Tak has been a starter most of his life, why mess with it now? Figgy has a rubber arm and can really pitch whenever, in whatever situation you want. I think Takahashi should at least get a chance to start full time. Though, in his current situation, be probably will have to relieve one of the ailing Met pitchers on a regular basis. What do you think?