Omar Minaya has taken plenty of shots over the way the Mets were unprepared down the stretch last season, with a rotation unable to give the bullpen enough rest, ultimately breaking down completely when the team needed it the most.

However, Minaya has addressed the biggest issue on the team in one fell swoop. The addition of Johan Santana has major repercussion on the entire Mets pitching complexion, and shift the balance of power in the National League back to Queens.

The Mets now have a bona fide ace in the form of Johan atop their rotation, and hopefully with the next 72 hours or less, will have secured that spot for the foreseeable future. The ace in question happens to be, arguably, the best pitcher in baseball. The significance of this major shift in the direction of the franchise cannot be overstated. It has been quite some time since the Mets could boast having this precious commodity.

The acquisition of Pedro Martinez marked a turning point for the team. However Pedro had already enjoyed the best years of his career when he came here. Johan, however, is right in the midst of his prime, and will be entering a pitching friendly league, in a pitching friendly park, that will only help to further his legend.

There will be plenty of time to sing the praises of Johan, but I want to take this moment to give all due respect to the man who has guided this franchise into what should hopefully be its most successful period we will be lucky enough to witness. A man who has had the patience to allow the market to come to him rather than overplay his hand. A man who has been able to bring in John Maine and Oliver Perez for spare parts. A man who will be the toast of the town, a town that is going to be abuzz about what the team in Queens, not the team in the Bronx has in store for them, come March.

The doubters, the folks who questioned his vision and his methods, the ones who had little patience for an off season they felt was a disappointment, considering the way the prior campaign had ended. Those folks are humbled by the events of today. Today, Omar Minaya deserves their praise. Omar Minaya deserves all of our praise.

Now, more than ever, in Omar we trust.