(moved from diaries. --eric)

There's been a lot of time wasted on Mets forums discussing Maine vs. Trachsel for a playoff start. It is clear to me that the real discussion should be  the order in which we will see El Duque and Trachsel....or should I say Trachsel and El Duque. I am convinced that Trachsel will be named a starter and I think he will start game 3.

He believes he's earned it:

"Tryouts are for spring training. If 15 wins are not enough, I don't know what to tell you," said Trachsel, whose ERA nudged up a smidge to 4.97. "What else would I do? You're going to put somebody in the bullpen who's never pitched in the bullpen before? All possibilities exist, but I don't have any answers except that I'm a starting pitcher."

Willie believes that W/L record is meaningful;

Randolph seemingly concurs, adding that he doesn't "look at Steve Trachsel like he's auditioning for a spot. He's been one of our best pitchers this year ... and I don't look at it that every time he goes out there he's on trial. I know what Steve Trachsel can do."

I don't agree with Willie's assesment, but the reality is that Willlie makes the decisions. It also helps that Trachs is good buddies with Willie's boss Jeff Wilpon.

The good news is that the Mets lineup, for whatever reason, rises to the occasion when Trachs takes the hill. The run support is consistent enough to be meaningful. Perhaps the players are better rested during the long half inning when Trachs is laboring on the mound. Perhaps the other pitcher gets tight while sitting on the bench watching Trachsel fidget on the mound.

Steve's peripherals are awful and he sucks the life out of every game he enters, but the Mets have won 15 of those games and he pitched well in the clincher.

Prepare yourself for this reality: Steve Trachel is your Game 3 starter.

(Source = NY Daily News)