Series Preview: Marlins (11-7) @ Mets (8-10)

The Mets face a big test this week against the first place Florida Marlins.  Although poor starting pitching and lack of hitting with runners in scoring position – the Mets are still within a series sweep of first.  On Monday, the Mets face Anibal Sanchez who is 2-1 with a 2.82 ERA in his career against New York.  John Maine has been nothing less then a disappointment so far this year – but his career numbers against Florida suggest he has a good chance to bounce back this year.  Game two will feature two struggling starters.  If Livan Hernandez doesn’t give a quality appearance, it might be his last.  In contrast, Wednesday’s contest shapes up to be a pitchers duel.  Johan Santana has  been on the top of his game from day one – which is scary considering the fact that he is normally a slow starter.  Even with Santana pitching, the Mets offense is going to need to come through – as Josh Johnson is 5-0 with a 1.59 ERA against the Mets.

Probable Starters:

Monday: Anibal Sanchez (1-1, 2.50) vs John Maine (0-2, 7.47)
Tuesday: Ricky Nolasco (1-2, 6.86) vs Livan Hernandez (1-1, 7.31)
Wednesday: Josh Johnson (2-0, 2.20) vs Johan Santana (3-1, 0.70)

Weather Report:

Monday: 74°, Mostly Sunny
Tuesday: High 79°, Low 61°, Partly Cloudy
Wednesday: High 89°, Low 60, Partly Cloudy & Windy

Players To Watch:

Former Mets draft pick Matt Lindstrom has struggled thus far – but don’t count on the Mets coming back if he gets into the game.  He has nasty stuff, and 3-0 with a 1.62 ERA against his former team.

For the Mets – the performances of John Maine and Livan Hernandez are vital to the series, as well as shaping the team.  A decision has to be made about Oliver Perez – and if Maine and Hernandez give Ollie like performances this week – it will really be interesting on how Omar Minaya deals with it.

Prediction:

This series is pretty evenly matched based on the performances so far this year.  Being that the Marlins are playing above expectation, and the Mets have not gotten hot yet, I give the edge to the Mets.

Mets win series 2-1