Adam Rubin of ESPNNewYork.com wote on Thursday that Jonathon Niese may get another Opening Day nod from Terry Collins to start the 2014 season. The Mets open the season on March 31 against the Washington Nationals.

On Opening Day 2013, Niese pitched a gem and earned a win in the Mets 11-2 laugher. The veteran southpaw finished the season at 8-8, a 3.71 ERA, 48 walks, and 105 strikeouts in the 24 games that he started.

Rubin shares that Collins is leaning toward Niese and he considers him as the ace of the staff. As an alternative to Niese, Collins mentions that he may turn to Dillion Gee.

Giving Niese the Opening Day nod would be a vote of confidence to the 27 year old lefty, especially after he struggled in the early months of last season and then landed on the disabled list with a partial tear of his left rotator cuff.  After a stint on the DL, he returned in August and pitched well the rest of the season, posting a 5-2 record, and a 3.00 ERA.

Mets fans hope that Niese can regain his 2012 form when he won a career high 13 games. With Matt Harvey out for most, if not all of 2014, Niese can be the Ace that TC needs to anchor the rotation.  A great start to the 2014 season for Niese can really propel the rest of the staff to follow suit. Even with the questions the Mets have as to who will actually make up the starting rotation, its nice to know that they still have Niese poised to make a big impact on the season. LGM!