New York Mets (22-22) at Atlanta Braves (25-21) 7:10pm
Johan Santana (5-2) vs. Tim Hudson (6-3)
TV: SNY Radio: WFAN
What to watch: The Mets are trying to avoid getting swept tonight in this four game series in Atlanta. Santana once again has to stop the bleeding for the Mets. It’s been his job all season long. Make sure that you tune into Willie Randolph’s least favorite TV station (SNY) to see if the Mets can finally get a win before heading to Colorado.
The Mets lost their third straight game in Atlanta. Mike Pelfrey was awful giving up six runs over four innings. I have to give him a pass because his previous two starts were very good.
Jose Reyes, David Wright, and Carlos Beltran had two hits each. But they were no match for Jeff Francoeur who went 3 for 4 with 4 RBI’s. After getting hit in the second inning he went crazy with a singe, triple, and home run.
The momentum gained in the Yankees series is officially gone. The first three games against the Atlanta Braves have been ugly.
Glavine talks to the media after getting a win against the Mets today.
Glavine masters Mets
Update 8:41pm- The game is expected to start around 8:50 or 8:55pm.
Update 8:26pm- The tarp is coming off the field. It looks like they’re getting ready to start things up soon.
Update 7:45pm- The game is still delayed. They’re expecting to get the game started soon.
The tarp is on the field with a thunderstorm watch in Atlanta. If you don’t want to suffer through the horrible programming on SNY, check back here and I’ll update the site when the game starts. I can’t believe I’m watching this awful “Beer Money” show on SNY. This network really knows how to push the limits of being a Mets fan.
New York Mets (22-19) at Atlanta Braves (22-21) 1:00pm and 7:00pm
First game: John Maine (5-2) vs. Tom Glavine (1-1)
Second game: Claudio Vargas (0-1) vs. Jorge Campillo (0-0)
TV: SNY Radio: WFAN (both games)
What to watch: The Mets play four games in Atlanta over three days before moving on to Colorado. The best part of the road trip will be getting a chance at revenge on Tom Glavine in the first game. John Maine hasn’t given up more than two earned runs in a game since his first start on April 5th. Claudio Vargas was terrific in his first start against Washington on May 14th. He didn’t deserve a loss. Now that Pedro is joining the team in Atlanta for a bullpen session, Vargas is just keeping Pedro’s seat warm until he gets back.
John Smoltz didn’t have it right from the start today. It was good to see the Mets finally get to jump all over a pitcher. He gave up four runs over four innings to take the loss. The Mets win 2 out of 3 in the series which is critical. They have to win these home series within the division if they expect to be playing in October.
Nelson Figueroa was okay again today going 5.1 innings and giving up three runs to get the win. He hasn’t showed me that he’s markedly better than Mike Pelfrey if a decision comes down to which one stays in the rotation when Pedro Martinez gets back.
The Mets again used five pitchers in the win. It’s worrying me that we’re not getting more depth from the starters. The guys from the bullpen are in there every day. Although today wasn’t the day for it, Willie needs to start thinking about stretching out the starters to give the guys in the bullpen a break. Billy Wagner locked the game down again in the ninth. He actually gave up a hit for the first time this year. But he’s looked better this season than at any time since he’s been with the Mets. He looks like a man on a mission and I like to see that. I wish everyone on the team played with the same intensity that he does.
Raul Casanova was 3 for 4 with a home run. He’s done a terrific job backing up Brian Schneider, and playing frequently since Schneider has been hurt. Luis Castillo was 3 for 5 and is inching his average back up. He’s hitting .284 now and doesn’t look “lost” at the plate like he did last week.
The story of the day has to be Carlos Delgado. He was 2 for 2 with two home runs and three runs scored. The fans called on him for a curtain call but he sat down in the dugout spurning the crowd. I don’t blame him at all. I’d probably do the same thing. Rightfully, he’s been scorched in the press and booed at Shea. I’ve let him have it myself.
The question is still valid about who Delgado is at this point in his career. He can’t be in a slump because it’s lasted for more than a season. Can he be a one trick pony hitting occasional home runs in bunches with a .200 average? I don’t know what to make of him. I’m sure the Mets management doesn’t either.
Atlanta Braves (12-12) at New York Mets (12-11) 1:10pm
John Smoltz (3-1) vs. Nelson Figueroa (1-1)
What to watch: There’s supposed to be some rain today. We’ll see if they’re able to get the game in or not. What can you say about Smoltz? The guy’s been doing it forever and dominant as a starter and closer. He’s still bringing the heat at 40. Figueroa could position himself pretty well to stay in the rotation when Pedro Martinez gets back. Mike Pelfrey hasn’t looked that great, and one of them will be out of the rotation. Hopefully, the Mets can take the rubber game of the series today.
The Mets Report 