John Maine to reportedly sign with the Phillies

John Maine will reportedly sign with the Philadelphia Phillies in the coming days, Jim Salisbury reports. The 29 year old pitched only 39.2 innings for the New York Mets last year, pitching to a 1-3 record and 6.13 ERA.

Does anyone remember the John Maine that the New York Mets acquired in 2006 whilst the Mets were on their way to their first NLCS appearance since 2000? Well, the John Maine of 2006 was and is a far cry from what he amounted to only four years later. Maine seemed poised to be a staple in the Mets rotation following his impressive 2006 and 2007 campaigns. It’s odd to say that a pitcher peaked at 26, but it was Maine’s most successful year by far as he was able to rack up 15 wins whilst having a very solid 3.91 ERA. However, things soon turned south for Maine in 2008 when he first tasted injury in New York. Maine was still effective, although clearly not the same pitcher he had been just a year earlier. Again, it was possible he was just pitching hurt, though.

2009 is when Maine’s situation became even cloudier as he was sidelined for most of the season after having shoulder trouble again. Maine returned at the end of the season and performed well enough to earn a spot in the rotation for 2010, although his health was still in question. Fast forward to spring training 2010 and things were beginning to get downright ugly. Maine’s velocity had dropped considerably and whilst never a confident player, Maine seemed stressed out. It didn’t take long to figure out that he was having severe difficulty, as his first start of the season was a horrendous effort. Maine allowed 8 hits and 4 runs through 5 innings, and things never really looked up again. After compiling three quality starts in a row against Los Angeles, Cincinnati and Washington at the end of May, Maine returned to being Dr. Hyde as he proceeded to get shelled against the Marlins before making his last start in May against Washington, with Jerry Manuel infamously pulling Maine without recording an out.

Maine’s quality starts were encouraging because the Mets were on the verge of a hot streak and needed consistency with Oliver Perez once again proving to be a bust. Maine’s final start of the year was horrendous, with fans and commentators alike being disgusted with Maine’s 85 MPH fastball. After issuing a walk, Jerry pulled Maine off the mound for the last time as a New York Met. Following the game, such comments were made toward Maine by pitching coach Dan Warthen accusing Maine of being a compulsive liar. Maine’s injury past was certainly at question during this and many speculated that he was once again pitching hurt. Needless to say, the pitcher who once was a part of leading the Mets within a game of the promise land became a symbol of the failure that has plagued the team since.

The Philadelphia Phillies are now reportedly going to sign John Maine as a reliever, and I’d assume he’d serve as a spot starter/long reliever. Pardon me, but it seems unlikely that the Phils are going to need much long relief work this year. They can only boast one of the best pitching staffs assembled in the history of the game on paper, and if last year will serve as any indication on where they’re headed in 2011 the world championship is already being engraved. Luckily for all 29 other teams, there are still 162 games to be played.

Maine will join Raul Valdez and Brian Schneider as two former Mets in the Phillies system. It’s funny that three players from one of the most disappointing teams in franchise history(2009) will all bear the Phillies colors in 2011, but alas I’m happy for Maine and the fans at Citizens Bank Park. Those fanatics will go WILD as all the fly balls soar into right field, only seconds earlier being grasped by Maine himself! Fans should also take tally of his incredible velocity and inability to get hitters out on an 0-2 count. You’ll be surprised with the ethic it takes to be able to reach 0-2, and a mere 4 pitches later have the hitter on first base chatting it up with the opposing first baseman. Hell, I’d say to make a drinking game out of it but I wouldn’t want to be responsible for alcohol poisoning.

So the book of Maine has shut in Flushing, and as another reminder of lost opportunity leaves to find success elsewhere, it’s time to open eyes to a brand new day in Flushing.