And, alone among the front-line pitchers, he has upheld the Mets' claim to distinction on the mound.

The Mets bought time until the day when their disabled front-line pitchers come home, too, and they bought it well.

Only a trade for a front-line starting pitcher may keep him from becoming a star with the Mets.

The Mets are in the market for a front-line pitcher, and Erickson has won his last four decisions.

I think he could be a front-line pitcher, easily.

It would be tough to trade a front-line pitcher.

"Yeah, I'm stubborn enough to believe that I can still be a front-line pitcher," Cone said.

Johnson could be expected to anticipate with delight the addition of a front-line pitcher or position player.

The Yankees' No. 1 aim this off season is to get a front-line starting pitcher.

That package would have to include two significant elements: a front-line starting pitcher and a productive, everyday left-handed hitter.