Mets Miscellaneous

With game 162 in the book, there are still a couple of loose ends to be tied up. First, we should know by Tuesday morning who will comprise the Mets' 25-man playoff roster. Second, who is going to start Game 3 in the first round? But, let me begin by telling you why playing the Dodgers is the best thing that could have happened to Mets' fans.

Why I Rather Face The Dodgers

As far as our opponent is concerned, I feel very confident we can beat  the Padres (who we went 5-2 against this year) or the Dodgers (who we went 4-3 against this year), but if I had to choose, I'd rather play the men from La La Land. And thankfully, that's exactly who we are going to get.

Here are my reasons:

The Padres have better chemistry, they're more inspired, they're healthier, and they have the best pitching staff in the NL playoffs. Plus, Mike Piazza and Mike Cameron might have a "let me show you what you're missing" attitude if they come to Shea. So, I consider them a much tougher opponent. I much rather face Derek Lowe in Game 1 than Jake Peavy (photo on left). Dodgers' closer Takashi Saito has been very good, but Trevor Hoffman is the best. Brad Penny is ailing and might not pitch while the Padres starters are all healthy. Nomar Garciaparra tweaked his troublsome left oblique yesterday, while the only injured Padre positional player, shortstop Khalil Greene, is ready to return. After Saito and Jonathan Broxton, the Dodgers' bullpen is riddled with very hittable middle relievers, while the Padres might have as strong a bullpen as the Mets do. And finally, I hate the Dodgers! When I was just a tyke, and didn't know any better, I was a Yankees' fan. The Dodgers of the late-70's and early-80's were our biggest rivals and I reveled in hating them. Old things die hard, as I still revel in beating them. Plus, they are the team that betrayed New York when they crushed the heart of Brooklyn and made a mad-dash for the smog of Southern California. The Mets, in essence, are the replacements for the Brooklyn Dodgers (who I'm sure I would have been a fan of if I were alive then). So, bring on the Benedict Arnold of New York baseball! And when we're done with them, let's drag their baseball carcass over to Atlantic avenue and let the Brooklynites have a go at them.

Playoff Roster Notes

Two things to keep in mind before Willie and Omar announce the 25 titans the Mets will employ in the chase for baseball's ultimate goal. Lastings Milledge will most likely be left off the roster. Since he was not on the team on August 31st, the only way he can be included is if he replaces an injured Met who was on the team on that date. So, it looks like the Mets will carry three catchers with Mike DiFelice carrying the final playoff spot. There are two scenarios where Milledge could still be added though. The most likely is if Cliff Floyd doesn't feel better after his cortisone shot. Milledge would replace Floyd. The other scenario is that DiFelice suddenly comes up with a mysterious injury.

The other playoff issue to keep an eye on is who will start Game 3 for the Mets. The odds are in Steve Trachsel's favor, but he had to leave the team yesterday for unknown personal reasons. The best choice would be John Maine (photo on right) who had yet another quality start on Friday. Here's a little fodder for Mets' fans- consider Maine's vital stats versus Trachsel's vital stats and let us here at INSIDE PITCH know who you would rather have starting Game 3:

                                          John Maine                 Steve Trachsel

ERA                                           3.60                                               4.97

WHIP                                         1.12                                               1.60

BAA                                          .212                                               .288

SO                                               71                                                   79

IP                                                 90                                                164.2

Key

ERA- Earned Run Average

WHIP- Walk + Hits / Innings Pitched

BAA- Batting Average Against

SO- Strikeouts

IP- Innings Pitched