Mets Opening Day Roster, 2004 Mets General Manager John Spelferson knew that most of the major trades that would be required to dismantle the roster would take place later in the year, but during Spring Training he would try to make as many transactions as possible. Though the team was under no real financial stress, the top players Spelferson intended to move was starter Tom Glavine, who had a $10.7 million contract through 2005 and had been unimpressive the year before, his age 37 season, sporting a 4.52 ERA. Glavine's contract and potential for sharp decline lead to very few offers, so instead Spelferson instead decided to move 33-year old starter Steve Trachsel, the Mets' best pitcher in 2003. The Mets managed to acquire 26 year old unproven starter Jake Westbrook and former Mets top prospect Alex Escobar. Both players made the league minimum and were expected to make the Major League roster. Importantly, the Mets' scouting department viewed Westbrook as a youn