The first game of the season! The Mets will hopefully taking on the Reds today, the hopefully there because the weather might have another idea. It is going to be cold, wet, nasty, possibly icy, and maybe even snowy today in Cincinnati. If the weather is tolerable, the Mets will open up the season with their ace Johan Santana and the Reds will open with Harang. Johan faced the Reds twice last year while Harang hasn't seen the Amazin's since 2007.
Johan had two very differnet starts against the Reds last season. Hist first start against them on May 8 was a nicely pitched win, the second game was a no decision where Johan was not very effective. Stat line in May: 6.0 IP, 3 ER, BB, 5K. Stat line in July: 4.0 IP, 5 ER, 3 BB, 2K. Here are some stats of Reds against Santana:
Bruce 1-3, 2B, RBI, K
Encarnacion 4-5, 2 HR
Votto 1-5
There are two keys of the game for Santana tomorrow. The first is to get Encarnacion out. The second is to keep the ball in the park. Votto, Bruce amoung others can hit the ball hard and far. If he can keep the ball in yard, he will cruise to victory. Over those two games he had against the Reds last year, he allowed three jacks. Keeping the lineup controlled will be the objective for the entire pitching staff because the Reds have a lineup that can hit, but their pitching is weak. Keep them scoring fewer runs than their pitchers can handle, and the Mets will get the win.
Trying to stop the Mets tomorrow will be Harang. Harang played in the WBC this year and is getting the nod for Opening Day. He hasn't pitched against the Mets since 2007 and back then players like Shawn Green really knew how to hit him. The Mets still have some players that can light him up, but they have some that were clueless:
Beltran 1-5
Delgado 2-5, 2B
Reyes 0-5
Wright 4-6, 2B, HR
Should be a nice day for Wright tomorrow. With the Mets lineup, there are a few stories to watch. The first is how Murphy will do. How will he handle the hype. The second is if Sheff is going to play and if he does, what will he do, and how will he be in the clubhouse. Last year the Mets won 7-2 on Openning Day thanks to Santana's nice start. Lets Go Mets! Lets Start the season on the right foot, and lets try to stay warm!
