New York Mets Strike Early By Signing El Duque!

The New York Mets are 5 games ahead in the race for the NL East division title but they are not taking any chances as evidence by their deal on Wednesday. General Manager Omar Minaya went to the Valley of the Sun and snatched experienced starter Orlando Hernandez from the Diamondbacks.

Listed at 36 years old and a proven postseason pitcher, Hernandez was struggling in his first season in the National League. He was just 2-4 with a 6.11 ERA in nine starts for the West-leading Diamondbacks, and was not pitching with a set turn.

El Duque pitched for the World Series Champion Chicago White Sox last year and many feel was the calming influence that allowed Jose Contreras to thrive on the South Side, after being inconsistent with Joe Torre