Mike Bacsik

Bacsik is a command lefty who might get a shot in 2007 thanks to an 11-0 mark in swing duty for Triple-A Tucson last year. There's very little difference between Bacsik and a dozen other guys; Bacsik could throw 120 innings of 4.50 ERA ball given a chance, and has a little upside in the right park. He signed with the Nats, where he very well might get that opportunity.

Bacsik showed none of the promise he displayed during the second half of 2002 and lost the 5th starter job to Jae Seo during spring training. Once Aaron Heilman was called up from the minors to start every fifth day, the writing was on the wall for Bacsik, who was optioned down to Triple-A for good in June 2003. Bacsik was outrighted to the minors in August 2003, meaning he passed through waivers without being claimed, but he is still a part of the Mets organization. Look elsewhere for pitching help.

Bascik held his own after being inserted into rotation after the All-Star break. He and/or Pat Strange could end up in the starting rotation if the Mets deal a pitcher to improve their offense.