Vargas not an option looks like Niese

As I said last night I'd prefer to use Claudio Vargas if Maine is going to be replaced for multiple games. The offense and pen would know exactly what they were getting, something in the area of four runs over six innings, which is solid for a fifth starter. I missed it last night but Claudio Vargas is on the minor league disabled list and hasn't pitched since Aug. 3. With the minor league season coming to a close even if he was cleared medically there will be nowhere for him to rehab except simulated games in Florida. With Vargas out it looks like the Mets will turn to Jon Niese, who appears to be the best available candidate. Unless his nerves get to him, my guess is that Niese will do pretty good his first two starts as a lefty with a nasty curve ball. My concern is that once the league gets a book on him, will the youngster be able to make the adjustments which will have to come in the last two weeks of a season. That's an awful lot of pressure to put on a guy who s...