By Jon Heyman, SI.com

PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. -- Mets decisionmakers appear set to overlook top pitching prospect Mike Pelfrey's poor spring and name him the No. 5 starter in coming days, sources said. Club officials will gather here Wednesday, but the momentum is strong for the righthander Pelfrey to get the nod despite a spring in which he allowed 36 baserunners in 17 1/3 innings.

The first four in the Mets' pitching rotation look very formidable, with ace Johan Santana followed in order by Pedro Martinez, Oliver Perez and John Maine. However, when manager Willie Randolph named his rotation the other day, he left the fifth spot open. While there is some dissent regarding Pelfrey's appointment, it appears he has the support of most key officials.

Pelfrey, the former No. 1 draft choice, should have had the spot locked up once it became clear Orlando Hernandez's foot injuries would prevent him from being ready to begin the season in the team's rotation. However, a horrendous outing Sunday, when Pelfrey allowed 13 hits and eight runs in 4 1/3 innings to the Cardinals had Mets people debating whether they needed to look at alternate plans, such as journeyman Nelson Figueroa or swing man Jorge Sosa. Hernandez threw only three innings this spring.

Pelfrey's talent and status appear to have won out. While one scout said Pelfrey's velocity is down slightly into the low 90s and his command has been poor, the Mets believe he has the ability to win at the big-league level despite a spring in which he allowed 29 hits and seven walks and only struck out six. He is 0-1 with an 8.31 ERA this spring.

Although decisionmakers favor using Pelfrey initially, if he starts poorly, his spot could become tenuous. Young lefthander Jon Niese, who has been impressive this spring, could then become a candidate to relace Pelfrey.

The other important discussion at Wednesday's meeting will center on the club's outfield plans with Moises Alou shelved possibly through April. Angel Pagan's big spring has seemingly put him in position to win a spot in left field.