Painless

Kris Benson's first start of the season was a no-decision against the Phillies where he went 4 and 2/3 innings coming back from injury. Since then, Benson has gone at least 6 innings in every start. In his last 4 starts, including today's 6-0 victory over Los Angeles, he's gone at least 7 innings. In 13 out of his 16 starts, he's given the Mets a legitimate chance to win. That's not the credentials of a number 2 starter.

That's ace credentials.

After today's 120 pitch masterpiece against Los Angeles, it is apparent that the possibilities are endless when it comes to this pitching staff...if Steve Trachsel gives the Mets anything more than what Kaz Ishii has given, you have a team that could steal a playoff series or two as long as Pedro, Benson, Zambrano, Trachsel and Tom Glavine can keep the Mets in games. This, of course, is providing that the Mets get that far. But Omar Minaya has the right idea in that regard...this is the point of the season where starting pitching can wear down other teams. As long as Zambrano doesn't regress, and Glavine stays somewhat consistent, the Mets will be in it until the end. And if Zambrano and/or Glavine falter, Aaron Heilman is waiting in the wings.

But none of this is possible without Kris Benson. Pedro Martinez is a hall of famer, but he can't do it alone...as long as Benson keeps pitching the way he's been pitching, the days of long losing streaks and slumps are over.