The Mets are reportedly close to signing free agent pitcher Livan Hernandez. Livan, who is El Duque's half brother, has a long time reputation for being a workhorse, pitching over 200 innings in 8 straight seasons. (would have been 10 straight if he retired just one more batter in 1999).

Livan does have problems getting players out, his WHIP with the Diamondbacks in 2007 was 1.595 and his ERA was 4.93. His ERA has increased every year since his career low in ERA of 3.20 in 2003.

While Livan has almost never missed a start in his career, he'll officially be 33 this year, and one has to wonder how much longer he can keep up the role of workhorse.

I really hope we never come to a point in 2008 where we need Livan Hernandez to have a good game. It may be possible that Omar is just creating a backup plan (albeit an emergency plan) if we don't get Johan Santana.

Random Fact:
Livan Hernandez leads all of baseball for the most pitches thrown since 2000 at 29,485.