John Maine

Following John Maine's clutch pitching performance, I went back and examined what I was saying about him at the time of his trade to the Mets. (For those whose memories are a bit cloudy, the Mets dealt starting pitcher kris benson and his wife, Anna, to the Orioles for reliver Jorge Julio, the main piece, and minor league pitcher, John Maine.)

First post:

The Mets get Jorge Julio and John Maine. I like Maine's potential more than I like Julio as a middle reliever. Following the 2003 season, Maine was considered a top pitching prospect for the O's. He struck out 185 in 147 innings. He followed that performance with 139 Ks in 138 innings mostly at AAA. That led to a brief, and bitter, cup of coffee with the O's.

In 2005, he struggled at AAA (4.56 ERA but still struck out 111 in 128) and in a quarter season's worth of starts with Baltimore (8 starts 6.30 ERA 24 K/24 walks in 40 innings.) Given this was only his first shot at extended exposure, I will not right him off as "failed."

Second mention:

Even after Maine's disastrous spring, he is still the best piece the Mets received.

Last mention following a horrendous Jorge Julio April appearance:

To think John Maine is still the best pitcher Minaya got in the Kris Benson trade. Puh-theh-tick.