If the plan works as scripted, Chris Young and Chris Capuano claim the final two spots in the rotation, freeing right-hander D.J. Carrasco to work the seventh inning, handing the ball to Bobby Parnell in the eighth and Francisco Rodriguez for the ninth. But Carrasco, who signed a two-year, $2.4 million deal during the offseason, will get a look at starter in spring training. And he prefers that role if it were up to him.

Carrasco was a combined 3-2 with a 3.68 ERA in 63 relief appearances for the Pittsburgh Pirates and Arizona Diamondbacks last season. He has started 23 major league games, including 20 for the Kansas City Royals in 2005.

"I would love to start," Carrasco said. "I think I could offer the team some good quality innings as a starter. But it's whatever the team is going to need to make it to the postseason is what I'm here for. I want to be part of a winning team, so whatever it takes."

As for why Carrasco signed with the Mets, he said: "The possibility of playing for a contending team. It's not fun when you go out and lose a lot of games every year. I had a taste with the White Sox -- made it to the postseason -- and played for some guys who knew how to play the game. That's what I look forward to here as well. And being in a big city, it's a good place to show what you've got and showcase yourself."