"I guess I should have pitched a no-hitter"

SPORTING GOODS

So the Mets, in all their infinite wisdom, have decided to put Steve Trachsel in the bullpen and give his spot in the starting rotation back to the wildly inconsistent Victor Zambrano. The move is even more puzzling because Trachsel is unable to warmup quick enough to be utilized in relief. Zambrano, on the other hand, can. And he has the experience. So in effect, the Mets will carry an extra pitcher they cannot use except in, according to Willie Randolph, an "extreme emergency."

Zambrano (7-10) and Tom Glavine (10-11) are the only two starters on the Mets with losing records, but Glavine has been victimized by lack of run support and is far better than his record would indicate. Since August 1st, Zambrano has made only 2 quality starts out of five. "He threw the ball well last time out and won the ballgame," manager Willie Randolph said of Zambrano. "He's been doing this all year, pitching relatively well for the most part. I challenged him to step up and do a job for me. He did, and he gets the ball."

Relatively well? That seems like a pretty low standard. And who cares about his last start? That is hardly an indication of how he is going to be down the stretch. Admittedly, Trachsel has only thrown 8 innings since coming back and no one expects him to be the second coming of Sandy Koufax, but he at least deserves another start after only giving up 2 hits.

Is there any other team in contention that would make a move this stupid?

UPDATE (4:55 pm): From ESPN:

Buster Olney reports the Mets and Red Sox have discussed a trade that would send Trachsel to Boston. The Mets are said to be asking for a relief pitcher from the Red Sox in return for Trachsel, but could also consider either John Olerud or Roberto Petagine, both first basemen. Trachsel, who pitched eight shutout innings in his first start of the season last Friday, is presently a part of the Mets' bullpen.

Chill's got it right. These deals suck for the Mets.