Series One- New York Mets (4-2) @ Philadelphia Phillies (2-4)
Pitching Match-Ups:
Monday- Harvey (1-0, 0.00) vs. Halladay (0-1, 13.50)
Tuesday- Gee (0-1, 1.42) vs. Lee (1-0, 0.00)
Wednesday- Hefner (0-1, 1.50) vs. Kendrick (0-1, 7.94)
The deal: The Mets have won their first two series, which may be a product of competition, and may be because they've improved, who knows yet. They took 2 of 3 from the Padres to start the year, then did the same to the lowly Marlins. The Mets young pitchers have looked better than many expected so far, and they've managed to squeak out some wins.
The Phillies have been… meh. They haven't been so awful that there's no hope, but they've got a number of relievers and starters who were historically terrible last week, and a line-up who's performance has been uneven.
Prediction: I'd love to look at this and just say "two of three," but this team isn't playing that well, and the Mets last year really caused us headaches. With that said, it's hard to not look at the last two games and think they're winnable. Even so, I'd rather be pleasantly surprised than grumpy and wrong. METS 2 OF 3.
Series Two- Phillies @ Florida Marlins (1-5)
Pitching Match-Ups:
Friday- Lannan (0-0, 3.86) vs. Nolasco (0-1, 3.97)
Saturday- Hamels (0-2, 10.97) vs. Fernandez (0-0, 1.80)
Sunday- Halladay vs. Slowey (0-1, 1.69)
The deal- THIS is where I think this team gets on track. The Marlins are probably going to end up as baseball's worst team, already off to a 1-5 start, and really no one but Giancarlo Stanton that puts any fear in you. They don't have terrible arms, especially in this series (at least so far), but they're not a team to fear.
I think the Phillies will break out for two reasons here- weather (it will be hotter down there) and competition. I'd be less than shocked to see them get going in Miami.
Prediction: How bold do I go here? Bold, bold. PHILLIES SWEEP.
