Well, when it rains it pours. El Duque Hernandez has just gone down with a calf tear. No, I'm not joking. As a result, Royce Ring and Oliver Perez has been added to the pitching staff. Perez will take Hernandez's spot in the rotation while Maine will start game one.
Okay, now after I completely freaked out about this, I took a deep breath and looked at who the Mets are facing. Going into this series, the Mets have the advantage in overall offensive numbers especially in speed, defense (this is huge), and by a mile the bullpen. Also, the Dodgers also seem to have injury concerns as their best set up man who happens to be a lefty is also out with a cut hand. So lets look at each game
Game 1: Lowe VS Maine
Well, I always liked Maine and I'm guessing it is better that he starts at home. At the very least, he'll have the crowd behind him. Maine has been one of the most solid starters in the second half of the season and has had games where he can dominate. Lowe on the other hand is a great pitcher at home and so-so on the road. He can be beaten if his sinker is elevated, which basically becomes a flat fastball. I would suggest that Reyes starts off the game taking a lot of pitches, get on base somehow, and then drive Lowe nuts enough to get the ball up.
Game 2: Kou VS Glavine
Honestly, I was a bit insulted that the Dodgers think they can send up any old left hander against the Mets. Have the Mets struggled against left handers? Yes, but that doesn't mean they can throw just about any lefty. Lets get real here. Yes, Kou has had a nice game against the Mets in August, however if the Dodgers think that a rookie away from home in a pressure pact enviroment where they could already be down 0-1 is going to beat the Mets, well Graddy is going to be rethinking that situation. Meanwhile, Glavine goes for the Mets. He' been there and never had an offense like the Mets support him in the playoffs. It's time for the Mets to tee off Kou and support Glavine. This game comes down to that. IF the Mets perform as they should then the Mets should be up 2-0 going to LA.
Game 3: Maddux VS Trachsel
Well, this is one game that should be very interesting. The Mets have killed Maddux all year away and at Shea. Meanwhile, Trachsel has been very up and down but always keeps the Mets in the game close enough to take advantage of a bullpen at least. The Mets could win this game, but it won't be easy.
Game 4: Penny VS Perez (if needed)
I'm sure every Mets fan in the world is hoping this game isn't need, but I'm sure Dodger fans are thinking the same thing. Penny has been horrible in the second half and his last month was horrid. Check this out:
Penny: 6.83 ERA 4 K/BB 1.83 WHIP
Perez: 4.39 ERA 3.2 K/BB 1.29 WHIP
Yep, you saw that right. Perez has been a LOT better then Penny going down the stretch and Penny has gotten worse and worse with each start. Whille Perez is more up and down. He has it in him to go the distance or get knocked out by the 3rd inning. Typical young lefty. However, if this game goes to the bullpen for both teams, the Mets will win. Period.
Like I said at the beginning. The Mets strengthes are still intact. They have a stronger defense, better hitting, a dominant bullpen. Now what the Mets need to do is get their starters to go 5 or 6 IP. The addition of Royce Ring was smart as he can be a reliever for the 5th/6th inning if needed, and he has done well.
So I'm stilling going for Mets in 4, but this won't be easy. LETS GO METS!!
