Tonight’s Mets Lineup vs. Marlins

Here is the lineup the Mets will send to bat against Marlins pitcher Clay Hensley:

Angel Pagan – CF
Willie Harris – 2B
Dan Murphy – 3B
Scott Hairston – RF
Lucas Duda – 1B
Jason Bay – LF
Josh Thole – C
Ruben Tejada – SS
Chris Capuano – P

It appears that Jason Bay will not be benched after all — or at least, not yet. Interesting to see Scott Hairston in the lineup against the righthanded Hensley. Yes, Hairston is on fire, but his hot streak has at least something to do with facing pitchers against whom he has excellent history. Whatever. Maybe he’ll stay hot and hit enough to become a legitimate trading chip.

Here is the lineup of Fish that will swim to the plate:

Emilio Bonifacio – 3B
Omar Infante – 2B
Logan Morrison – LF
Hanley Ramirez – SS
Gaby Sanchez – 1B
Mike Stanton – RF
Mike Cameron – CF
John Buck – C
Clay Hensley – P

If you missed it, former Met Mike Cameron was acquired a few weeks back from the Red Sox to solidify centerfield and help create a new clubhouse culture. Of course, that “intangibles” stuff is pure malarkey. I’m sure the Marlins would be 12-4 over their last 16 even if Milton Bradley was added to the clubhouse instead of Cameron. And Jack McKeon‘s guidance has nothing to do with it, either. Riiiiiiiiiight.

Hensley is typically a middle reliever, and this will be his first start since July 24, 2008. It is also his first appearance since going on the DL with a shoulder sprain in early June. He has been conditioned to throw about 65-85 pitches, so expect him to be out of the game early — perhaps by the fourth frame, if the Mets use their typical patient approach.