The Mets signed 40-year old David Cone to a minor league contract and will let him compete for the fifth spot in the starting rotation in spring training. I do not know what to think of this. I suppose if he can stay healthy there's a chance he might be able to show something of his old form, but that seems like a huge "if" at this age. I'd honestly rather see Mike Bacsik or Aaron Heilman pitch well enough to prove they're ready to start at the major league level and take the spot. Bacsik looked good in his first couple of starts last year before falling off somewhat. Heilman hasn't pitched in the major leagues yet, but when's he's ready he certainly has more upside than David Cone in 2003. Hopefully one of these guys will pitch so well in spring training as to make the decision. But if Cone starts out the season in the fifth spot, just holding it until Heilman is ready, that might not be so bad.

I'll will have more of My Unbiased 2003 Baseball Preview (or, Why The Mets Will Win The World Series) next week, probably.  ¶ joe | 3:57 PM |