05-24-2006, 11:12 PM
NEW YORK -- The pitching-thin New York Mets acquired Orlando Hernandez from the Arizona Diamondbacks on Wednesday, hoping El Duque can help them now -- and maybe later, when even more is at stake.
The Mets traded reliever Jorge Julio to get Hernandez. The deal was announced before the NL East leaders hosted Philadelphia.
Listed at 36 years old, 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.
But Hernandez is known for saving his best for the biggest games, especially in New York. The Mets have spent a lot of money bringing stars such as Pedro Martinez, Carlos Delgado and Carlos Beltran over the last couple seasons, and the veteran-laden team believes this might be the year they go far.
Hernandez helped the Chicago White Sox toward the World Series title last season with a couple clutch performances in October. He was a key member of the Yankees' rotation when they won three straight championships from 1998 to 2000.
"When you bring a guy into New York, it's New York," Mets general manager Omar Minaya said. "I think he's a proven guy."
The Mets have Martinez, Tom Glavine and Steve Trachsel at the front of their rotation and had patched together the rest of their rotation.
Julio was 1-2 with a 5.06 ERA in his first season with the Mets. He struck out 33 in 21 1/3 innings and had pitched better of late after a rough beginning.
The Mets traded reliever Jorge Julio to get Hernandez. The deal was announced before the NL East leaders hosted Philadelphia.
Listed at 36 years old, 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.
But Hernandez is known for saving his best for the biggest games, especially in New York. The Mets have spent a lot of money bringing stars such as Pedro Martinez, Carlos Delgado and Carlos Beltran over the last couple seasons, and the veteran-laden team believes this might be the year they go far.
Hernandez helped the Chicago White Sox toward the World Series title last season with a couple clutch performances in October. He was a key member of the Yankees' rotation when they won three straight championships from 1998 to 2000.
"When you bring a guy into New York, it's New York," Mets general manager Omar Minaya said. "I think he's a proven guy."
The Mets have Martinez, Tom Glavine and Steve Trachsel at the front of their rotation and had patched together the rest of their rotation.
Julio was 1-2 with a 5.06 ERA in his first season with the Mets. He struck out 33 in 21 1/3 innings and had pitched better of late after a rough beginning.