NEW YORK -- So, it took the Phillies (with a big assist from the Mets) 17 games last September to overcome a 7-1/2-game deficit and win the NL East. It was considered an epic comeback by the Phillies and an epic collapse by the Mets.
Well, it has taken the Mets 33 games to overcome a 7-1/2-game deficit in the NL East this season. And, as they take the field tonight, the Phillies and Mets will be tied for the division lead.
Nobody seems to think this midseason Mets comeback is epic. Not yet, anyway.
But New York is buzzing over this three-game series. Driving up here today, hosts and callers on WFAN were discussing how Johan Santana must begin earning his $140 million by winning a big game tonight and putting the Mets in first place for the first time since April 19.
It's an equally big week for Joe Blanton and Brett Myers, who could go a long way toward giving the Phillies' peace of mind about their rotation.
OK, prediction time, folks. How do you think the Phillies will do this week at Shea?
Back later with lineups and other goodies.
PHILLIES (53-46) at METS (53-46)
Tonight, 7:10: RHP Joe Blanton (5-12, 4.96) vs. LHP Johan Santana (8-7, 3.10)
Wednesday, 7:10: RHP Brett Myers (3-9, 5.84) vs. RHP John Maine (8-7, 4.22)
Thursday, 12:10: LHP Jamie Moyer (9-6, 3.90) vs. LHP Oliver Perez (6-6, 4.36)
Hot: Phillies 2B Chase Utley has a 10-game hitting streak and is batting .321 over his last 20 games; Phillies 1B Ryan Howard leads the majors with 29 homers and the league with 87 RBIs and is batting .350 in his last 10 games; Mets 1B Carlos Delgado is batting .419 with four homers and 12 RBIs in his last 17 games; Mets 3B David Wright went 5-for-13 with two homers and six RBIs in four games last week against the Reds.
Not: Phillies SS Jimmy Rollins is batting .238 (44-for-185) and has scored 21 runs in his last 45 games; Phillies CF Shane Victorino is batting .227 (20-for-88) with runners in scoring position; Mets 2B Damion Easley has two hits in his last 17 at-bats; Mets C Brian Schneider is hitless in his last nine at-bats.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
2 comments:
Ease up on the "big assist from the Mets" stuff, please, Mr. Lauber.
Yes, the Mets choked -- but the Phils romped, too.
So that's what we traded for, huh? Joe Blanton, an innings-eater. He's gonna get lit up. Do you think this gives the Phils peace of mind about their rotation? I certainly won't be getting any more sleep at night knowing Blanton has to throw every fifth day.
Post a Comment