Terry Collins floated the idea last season of converting Pedro Beato to a starting pitcher from relief. And that idea very much is still on the table, even though Beato strongly prefers relief role.

Asked if converting Beato to a starter was alive, pitching coach Dan Warthen said: "Fifty-50. Alive in some coaches' heads. It's dead in his heart."

Warthen said Beato would work as a reliever in spring training, but could be converted to starting if he does not make the major league team out of spring training. Beato has an uphill battle to make the bullpen because he was three options remaining and can be sent to the minors without being exposed to waivers. He could not be sent to Triple-A Buffalo last season because he was a Rule 5 pick and would have needed to be offered back to his former, the Baltimore Orioles.

"Right now he's a reliever and we'll see what happens if he doesn't make the major league club," Warthen said.

What would make Beato a good starter?

"You love his size," Warthen said. "You love his power. And he has four quality pitches."

Beato, 25, last started full time in 2009 as an Orioles minor leaguer, when he went a combined 6-10 with a 4.52 ERA for Class A Frederick and Double-A Bowie. The following season he had 16 saves and a 2.11 ERA as Bowie's closer, setting up his Rule 5 selection by the Mets.