The Not Ready for Prime Time Players

Game 101 - Phillies

Mets 6, Phils 3

Record 54 wins, 47 losses - tied for first place with NYM, one game ahead of FLA

Folks in Allentown have reason to cheer. The local economy is likely to get a boost as Bret Myers demonstrated last night that he is clearly destined to spend the season with the local Lehigh Valley Iron Pigs. Not since Billy Joel lamented the decline of Big Coal has the region had any reason to feel optimistic. This could be a boon if marketed properly. "Come see a bona fide former MLB All-Star and Opening Day pitcher! First 3,000 fans sporting bushy mustaches will receive a discombobulated Bret Myers bobblehead.

Oh, lest we forget, the mighty, mighty Phillies offense, replete with slugger after slugger, managed only 6 hits and 3 runs vs. John Maine. No disrespect for John Maine but the dude has been struggling against the likes of San Francisco, Colorado, Arizona, Atlanta and LA. He hadn't made it out of the 5th inning since 4 starts ago. Maine's stats, to be fair are actually fairly decent by today's standards (9-7, 4.20.) However, take the Phillies out of the calculus and you are looking at a 6-7 pitcher. Whit will agree I am sure, that the Mets were expecting bigger things from Maine. Well, there are only 6 games left between these two squads so you gotta believe he has a puncher's chance of picking up double digit wins at least by virtue of 5 wins vs. the Phils. I guess that's progress.

Today's businessman's special features the immortal Jamie Moyer vs. the indomitable Oliver Perez. Oliver, like Maine is not having a stellar season but he's doing alright 6-6, 4.36.) Against the Phils though, he is 2-0, 0.00 in 3 starts! Again, take the Phils out and this dude is 4-6 with an ERA of 5.24!

Oh well, at least we won't be 3 games back after today 's matinee and we do get to go back to the Bank for 3 vs. Atlanta whom we've already beaten 8 of 9 games this year. That short home stand will be followed by an arduous trek down 95 to take on the lowly Nats (Curly Joe.) The Mets next 6 are vs. the Cards and the Fish so there is room to wiggle here.

Rob-

Your naked appetite for a cat fight is embarrassing. Just cut it out.

Whit -

I love you in spite of the Mets. Isn't that true love?