Mets Merized Online - A New York Mets Blog With Attitude!

Well, it only seems fair that we are right back where we left off six months ago, Mets vs. Marlins. Except this time, it is just the beginning.

The NY Mets kick off the 2008 season against the Florida Marlins for a three game series at Dolphin Stadium.

While we want to turn the page on last year, let’s not forget Hanley Ramirez’ comments before that last game, “F8@& everybody on the Mets. I'm going to kick their *&^Y%A$ tomorrow.''

Seems like the shortstops of the NL East love to talk trash… hope the Mets bring it on the field.

The probable pitching match-ups are… 

Monday: Johan Santana, LHP (0-0, -.--)  vs. Mark Hendrickson, LHP (0-0, -.--)

Tuesday: Pedro Martinez, RHP (0-0, -.--)  vs. Rick VandenHurk, RHP (0-0, -.--)

Wednesday:  Oliver Perez, LHP (0-0, -.--) vs. Andrew Miller, LHP (0-0, -.--)

I am extremely giddy to see those two names at the top of our rotation, beautiful.

Think about this, The Mets finished 2007 with the 7^th best ERA, 3^rd best BAA, and 6^th best WHIP. That was pretty much a whole year without Johan Santana, Pedro Martinez, and Duaner Sanchez. Oh and not to mention our fifth starter won 5 games all year.

It will also be interesting to see how the Mets handle two lefties right off the bat. Now, Mark Hendrickson and Andrew Miller shouldn’t be confused with Randy Johnson circa 2001 but they’re lefties nonetheless.

The Mets bullpen is clearly better than the Marlins so advantage Mets there. I’ll take

Offensively (2007 numbers)...

Mets: .278 BA, 804 R, .342 OBP, .432 SLG, 200 SB (NL Ranks: 2nd, 4th, 3rd, 7th, 1st)  

Marlins: .267 BA, 790 R, .336 OBP, .448 SLG, 105 SB (NL Ranks: 8th, 6th, 7th, 3rd, 6th)

Marlins bats held their own last year, but that was with Miguel Cabrera in the middle. Good luck with that now.

The Mets offense is constructed similarly to 2007 with the hope that some young guys improve and some older bounce back. Most are healthy for now so keep stretching those legs and let’s have a great first series.  

Prediction: Hard to think that with that rotation the Marlins will be able to hold the Mets at bay and with a line-up lacking Miguel Cabrera the Marlins start at the bottom of the barrel. If Oliver Perez can control his pitches the Mets sweep.

Oh and see you next year Hanley…