Category: Game Preview

Padres at Mets- August 5-7 Series Preview

Tues. Aug. 5 7:10pm Chris Young (4-4 4.12) vs. Mike Pelfrey (9-7 3.91)

Wed. Aug. 6 7:10pm Cha Seung Baek (3-6 5.22) vs. Pedro Martinez (3-2 6.16)

Thurs. Aug. 7 12:10 pm Josh Banks (3-4 3.65) vs. Johan Santana (9-7 2.86)

What to watch: The Padres are in last place in the worst division in baseball. Only the Mariners and Nationals have worse records this season. The Padres swept the Mets in a four game series in San Diego during the first week of June. So the Mets owe them a beating. Anything less than a sweep will be a failure in my mind.

The Mets rotation is unaffected by John Maine’s injury for this series. So there are no excuses not to clobber a bad team like the Padres.

There’s been some talk about whether Trevor Hoffman should still be closing game for the Padres. He took the loss Friday night when he gave up a run in the 10th inning against the Giants. He’s converted 23 of 26 save opportunities this season but he’s 1-6 with a 4.59 ERA. Not very closer-like numbers.

On Deck- August 3- Mets at Astros [Game 3]

New York Mets (58-52 Road: 26-32) at Houston Astros (52-57 Home: 28-26) 2:05pm

Oliver Perez (7-6 4.02) vs. Randy Wolf (6-10 4.79)

TV: CW11 Radio: WFAN

What to watch: The Mets try to avoid the sweep today in Houston before coming home and having an off-day tomorrow. Perez has been outstanding under pitching coach Dan Warthen and looks to be the stopper today. The Astros inexplicably traded for Randy Wolf, who makes his second start for Houston today. He wasn’t very good in his first start going 4.1 innings against the Brewers and giving up 4 runs (3 earned).

Don’t forget to visit the Mets Report Live Game Chat during the game by clicking “Live Game Chat” above or click here.

On Deck- August 2- Mets at Astros [Game 2]

New York Mets (58-51 Road: 26-31) at Houston Astros (51-57 Home: 27-26) 7:05pm

Johan Santana (9-7 2.93) vs. Roy Oswalt (8-8 4.67)

TV: SNY Radio: WFAN

What to watch: Santana went nine innings giving up one run in his last start against St. Louis and looked terrific. Oswalt got a win in his last start against the Reds but gave up four runs over five innings. The Mets really need to take both games left in this series to beat a team that they should be better than. It’s key over the next two months to take series’ from losing teams. A loss today would extend the Mets losing streak to three games.

Don’t forget to visit the Mets Report Live Game Chat during the game by clicking “Live Game Chat” above or click here.

On Deck- August 1- Mets at Astros [Game 1]

New York Mets (58-50 Road: 26-30) at Houston Astros (50-57 Home: 26-26) 8:05pm

Pedro Martinez (3-2 6.25) vs. Brandon Backe (6-10 4.73)

TV: SNY  Radio: WFAN

What to watch: Pedro makes his return to the mound from the bereavement list tonight in Houston. The Mets front office will be watching closely to help determine if they need to acquire another starting pitcher before the end of August.

On Deck- July 30- Mets at Marlins [Game 3]

New York Mets (58-49 Road: 26-29) at Florida Marlins (56-51 Home: 30-24)  7:10pm

Mike Pelfrey  (9-6 3.67) vs. Josh Johnson (0-0 3.71)

TV: SNY  Radio: WFAN

What to watch: Johnson has only pitched in three games for the Marlins this season but the Fish have won all three. Pelfrey has won seven consecutive decisions and hasn’t lost a game since May 26th. The Mets and Marlins play the rubber game of the series before the Mets leave town for Houston tonight with an off-day tomorrow.

Visit the Mets Report Live Game Chat during the game to chat with other fans. Click on “Live Game Chat” above or click here.

On Deck- July 29- Mets at Marlins [Game 2]

New York Mets (57-49 Road: 25-29) at Florida Marlins (56-50 Home: 30-23)  7:10pm

Oliver Perez (6-6 4.15) vs. Scott Olsen (6-5 4.07)

TV: SNY  Radio: WFAN

What to watch: The Mets would really like to take this series in Florida by winning the next two games to protect their lead in the NL East. The Phillies start a series tonight in D.C. against the Nationals, the worst team in baseball. With Perez going tonight and Pelfrey tomorrow, the Mets have to like their chances with the way the two have been throwing.

Visit the Mets Report Live Game Chat during the game to chat with other fans. Click on “Live Game Chat” above or click here.

On Deck- July 28- Mets at Marlins [Game 1]

New York Mets (57-48 Road: 25-28) at Florida Marlins (55-50 Home: 29-23)  7:10pm

John Maine (9-7 4.20) vs. Ricky Nolasco (10-6 3.99)

TV: SNY  Radio: WFAN

What to watch: Maine had a good game against Philly in his last start going seven innings and giving up only three runs. I still expected more from him this season. I thought he would break out and it hasn’t happened yet. Nolasco has lost in his last two starts. He hasn’t won a game since July 7th.