A clandestine undertaking on behalf of Israel, the Jets and the Jews.

 
Jorge, We Hardly Knew Ya

Though reliever Jorge Julio has actually been pitching well of late, there's no question that the Mets trade of Julio to Arizona for Orlando Hernandez was a good one. Even at this stage of his career, El Duque should, if he can stay healthy, be at least an adequate number 5 starter for the Mets. Julio, in contrast, can be replaced by Heath Bell.

Having said that, I disagree with Mets GM Omar Minaya that Hernandez is an upgrade over Kris Benson, who the Mets traded in January to acquire Julio. Benson is inconsistent, but he pitches a lot of innings, and in both 2005 and thus far 2006, his ERA has been 100 points or more below El Duque's.
posted on 5/25/2006