Maine to make bullpen

Adam Rubin at The NY Daily News writes about John Maine staying on the post season roster as a long relief man:

Clubhouse speculation is that John Maine could make the Mets' division roster as a reliever, potentially bumping Roberto Hernandez. The Mets would seem unlikely to carry 12pitchers for the opening round of the playoffs, and Lastings Milledge and Michael Tucker seem to have the inside track for the 13th and 14th position-player spots.

Maine is scheduled to start tomorrow against the Nationals, though Randolph last week mentioned the possibility of putting Maine in the bullpen in the season's final week. Using Maine in relief would ensure Steve Trachsel makes the division series roster - which seems likely regardless of Maine's status. However, it wouldn't guarantee Trachsel a division series start, since the Mets could rely on only three starters.