New York Mets (16-15) at Los Angeles Dodgers (19-14) 3:10pm
John Maine (3-2) vs. Brad Penny (5-2)
What to watch: The Mets need to take this game to avoid a sweep in LA. Brad Penny is a tough pitcher so it’ll be a challenge today. Getting swept in LA would give the Mets a losing West coast road trip and may cause the fans to be more bitter when they get back home against Cincinnati on Friday.
New York Mets (16-14) at Los Angeles Dodgers (18-14) 10:10pm
Nelson Figueroa (2-1) vs. Hiroki Kuroda (1-2)
What to watch: The Mets need to take both games in LA to win the series. It would be a huge boost for the Mets to win both series’ in Arizona and LA on this road trip. Kuroda hasn’t pitched well recently so tonight’s game is a good opportunity for the Mets. Carlos Beltran even had two hits last night, so his bat is starting to come alive.
New York Mets (16-13) at Los Angeles Dodgers (17-14) 10:10pm
Oliver Perez (2-2) vs. Chad Billingsley (1-4)
What to watch: Get ready for some late night baseball tonight and tomorrow night. The Mets go into LA riding high off a series win in Arizona. Oliver Perez really needs to rebound from his 1.2 inning start last Wednesday. That horrible start led to Billy Wagner sounding off about Perez and the state of the team. Perez is in a contract year too. So if he expects to get a long term contract next year, he needs to start pitching like he wants it.
New York Mets (15-13) at Arizona Diamond Backs (21-9) 4:10pm
Johan Santana (3-2) vs. Dan Haren (4-1)
What to watch: The Mets really want to get this rubber game of the series. It’s always an aces pitching match up when Santana pitches, and this game is no different. Haren is a really good pitcher in his own right. I’d like to see Santana get through at least the seventh inning today to give the bullpen a break.
New York Mets (15-12) at Arizona Diamond Backs (20-9) 3:45pm
Mike Pelfrey (2-1) vs. Brandon Webb (6-0)
TV: Fox Radio: WFAN
What to watch: Going against Webb is a really tough draw for the Mets. He won the Cy Young Award two years ago, and looks like he’s on his way to doing it again this year. If Carlos Beltran can wake up offensively the Mets will have a much better chance against Webb.
New York Mets (14-12) at Arizona Diamond Backs (20-8) 9:40pm
John Maine (2-2) vs. Micah Owings (4-0)
TV: SNY Radio: WFAN
What to watch: The Mets are in Phoenix for a three game series this weekend that will be the best team they’ve faced this season. John Maine has been fair this season and hasn’t been able to capture the magic he had in spring training where he was unhittable. Micah Owings is a tough draw for the Mets to start the series. He’s in the Babe Ruth mold, a pitcher that’s probably more valuable as a hitter. The guy is a really dangerous hitter, as evidenced by his pinch hit two run homer to win the game for the D-Backs the other night. Oh by the way, he’s 4-0 as a pitcher as well. Tough game and series for the Mets.
Pittsburgh Pirates (10-16) at New York Mets (14-11) 1:10pm
Tom Gorzelanny (1-3) vs. Oliver Perez (2-1)
TV: SNY Radio: WFAN
What to watch: The Mets went into extra innings last night so expect to see several regular starters out of the lineup. Willie Randolph typically rests some regulars on a day game after a night game. The Mets have a good chance to sweep the lowly Pirates at home before a day off and a West coast road trip.
The Mets Report 