The Mets claimed Fernando Nieve off waivers from the Astros over the weekend after announcing that Tim Redding would start the season on the disabled list.  Nieve is out of options, so is not likely to end up in the minors, but I have had a few readers ask me for me thoughts on Nieve.

Nieve is a former Houston top prospect who topped out at #3 in the system in the 2006 Baseball America rankings.  As a younger pitcher, he could bring it in the mid-to upper 90s, but he no longer brings that kind of gas. As rookie in 2006, Nieve was 3-3 with a 4.20 ERA in 40 games, 11 starts with 70 strikeouts in 96.1 IP.

Nieve had Tommy John surgery in April 2007.  He did not pitch well in 2008.

I like the pickup as nearly all upside.  If he pitches well in camp and for the Mets, well, great.  If he doesn’t, eh.  He wasn’t part of the original plan anyway.