Johan Santana is unlikely to avoid the disabled list to begin the season, meaning the Mets will need a starting pitcher.

Team insiders insist that Jeremy Hefner, and not one of the options outside the organization, will begin the year in the rotation.

Other internal choices include Colin McHugh and Jenrry Mejia, but Hefner seems to have the edge.

"More likely we'll go with what we have in here," said a Mets official.