When the New York Mets formally introduced Johan Santana on Wednesday afternoon, perhaps the only thing that seemed to be missing from the event was commissioner Bud Selig handing the franchise the 2008 championship trophy.

Doesn't $150 million take care of that?

Actually, Santana may have resolved the greatest of the Mets' troubles: providing an ace for the front of the starting rotation to carry the team for 2008 and through the foreseeable future. But he didn't solve all of the problems or answer all of the questions.

The need for Santana was so great precisely because nothing is certain behind him. What will the Mets get from the aging duo of Pedro Martinez and Orlando Hernandez? Will John Maine and Oliver Perez build off the 2007 season when each won 15 games? Is Mike Pelfrey ready to step into the rotation?

Oh, and did we mention the bullpen that imploded on a daily basis down the stretch as the Mets saw the season wither to a crushing end?

The point is, even if Santana is all that $150 million can buy, there are plenty of other innings to be accounted for. But the Mets are hoping for a trickle-down effect, with Santana pushing the other pitchers each a spot down in the rotation and raising spirits, too.

"It's a subtle thing, but I think it does give you a little more swagger going into the season," Willie Randolph said. "Any time you can make an adjustment right before spring training that makes you better noticeably better it's exciting. Players feed off their teammates.

"We felt good about ourselves going into spring training as it was. But when you add a person like Santana, a guy of his caliber, you have a little bit of swagger going in. A guy like him really lengthens your whole staff. There's no doubt in my mind the players can't wait to get to spring training."

Pitchers and catchers officially report Thursday, with the first day of workouts Saturday. While Maine already has arrived starting his workouts a week ahead of the official reporting date who will be No. 1 may be as fascinating to watch as who will be No. 5.

Does Santana step in as the opening-day starter and take his place at the head of the rotation with his two Cy Young Awards? Or does Martinez, who returned to action in September after a long rehab following surgery, resume his place at the top?

"I've got a little while to think about that," Randolph said. "I've got two stoppers, man, two legitimate stoppers, so I'm sure it will be a pleasant choice."

Maybe so, but it may not be as pleasant deciding on the fifth starter. If Pelfrey is ready as general manager Omar Minaya declared enthusiastically then what happens to El Duque? Minaya said that Hernandez would be a starter. If so, does Pelfrey get pushed to the pen or back to the minors? Or is he just waiting for one of the elderly starters to break down?

"There's still going to be competition," Randolph said. "Hopefully guys will step up. El Duque had a big year last year for us."

The Mets have questions in the pen, too. While Billy Wagner is back as the closer, who will set him up? Aaron Heilman will be there, but what will the Mets get from Duaner Sanchez? He was lights out two years ago until the light went out with a late-night taxi accident leading to two surgeries and a year and a half on the sidelines.

Jorge Sosa was his usual erratic self. Pedro Feliciano has established himself as a lefty specialist. Scott Schoeneweis got better on the field as the year wore on, but found himself embroiled in the steroid taint after the season. The Mets picked up Matt Wise, Rule 5 Draft pick Steven Register and Ruddy Lugo to compete.

"We have our main guys Heilman, Billy, Schoeneweis and those guys, but there's always someone who steps up," Randolph said. "You always look forward to that guy who steps up and takes a job."