Preview: Game Four vs. Braves
The Mets (2-1) invade Atlanta to play the last-place Braves (1-3) in a 7:35 PM start at Turner Field. I know, it’s early in the season, but we have to take advantage of stating “last-place Braves” every chance we get.
Pitching Matchup
John Maine makes his first 2008 start against Tim Hudson, who pitched the Braves’ opener in Washington DC and allowed only three hits and two runs in a seven-inning no-decision.
Injuries
Mike Hampton was placed on the DL (surprised?) when trainers discovered he was on the Braves’ 25-man roster. Since he’d already injured 95% of his body in the past, they had to come up with something good, and went with “pectoral soreness”.
Interesting Tidbits
Ruben “Sniffles” Gotay makes his first appearance against the Mets, and has vowed vengeance against the club for waiving him last week. I love Ruben, but he’s going to have to get onto the field first — and he’s the third utilityman behind Martin Prado and Omar Infante. I wish him luck, just not this weekend.
Fearless Prediction
Assuming John Maine continues the outstanding form he showed throughout the spring, this should be an old-fashioned pitchers’ duel, as Hudson looked great as well in his Opening Day start. Look for Brady Clark to bounce a 77-hopper past the outstretched glove of Gotay (brought in as part of a double-switch) to score Angel Pagan with the go-ahead run in the top of the 12th. Billy Wagner will come on in the bottom of the ninth and strike out the side.
Then again, mother nature may not be done with us yet…
Another thing — I feel that the Braves will be the main competition this year, and Philly will phade away by mid-summer. That said, I want all the wins we can get against Larry’s boys.
If the Phillthies’ series was in that bandbox (CBP), I’d want someone other than Pelf pitching. However, it’s at Shea, which is (ostensibly) a pitchers’ park, so I can live with Pelf going against the Phillthies.