Mets Rumor: Jon Garland

This is the the kind of pitcher the Mets need to focus on. Solid, durable and effective. Not a top tier starter, but someone who will fit nicely at the back of their rotation.

Per Ken Rosenthal (I wonder how many times I will write his name over the next two weeks...):

Right-hander Jon Garland, who declined arbitration from the Angels, is on the Mets' radar. The Mets are unlikely to pay top dollar for a starter after investing in a closer, and Garland would fit the back of their rotation. Johan Santana, John Maine, Mike Pelfrey and Jon Niese are the Mets' current projected starters. Garland, 29, has averaged 205 innings over the past seven seasons and likely would benefit from a move to the National League.

Perfect. If the Mets can manage to land Garland, I will feel much better about guys like Jon Niese and Bobby Parnell competing for that final spot(s) in the rotation.

If not, they must go out and sign someone else instead of handing two-fifths of the rotation to unproven rookies. Garland is high on my Mets fan wish list for this off-season.