Bannister to Start, Heilman to the Bullpen

A lot of people don't seem to understand this move, it makes perfect sense to me. Heilman is more valuable in the bullpen. Julio hasn't been pitching well in the spring and Bannister is more valuable as a starter than a reliever. I hope Aaron doesn't hold a grudge here, we all know he wanted to start.

Yeah, I just hope Heilmann isn't peeved. He's been doing so well as a starter this spring, it seems like he's getting a raw deal.

Heilman is needed in the pen for long relief outings, which he excels at. There probably will be days where Pedro will only be able to go a few innings, especially early on in the season, so they need someone they can rely on to pitch 4 innings if necessary. Heilman has done it before, Bannister hasn't. And Bannister has had a great spring. Its not like the Mets are putting Heilman in the bullpen for someone like Jose Lima or Darren Oliver. Good move, once Pedro is healthy, or if they need a spot starter for someone like Trachsel or Zambrano, Heilman will step in