Baseball Guru
06-11-2006, 05:33 AM
http://newyork.mets.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/news/article.jsp?ymd=20060610&content_id=1499400&vkey=news_nym&fext=.jsp&c_id=nym
Pedro climbs the hill for series finale
By Jason P. Skoda / Special to MLB.com
It's nearing the middle of June, and the Mets have lived up to the preseason hype thus far, leading the National League East by 5 1/2 games.
Another step toward becoming one of the game's elite teams presents itself Sunday, when they have a chance to close out a four-game sweep of the first-place Diamondbacks at Chase Field.
And Pedro Martinez is on the mound. Championship-caliber teams win this game to keep the momentum flowing. On Tuesday, the Mets move on to Philadelphia for a three-game series against the second-place Phillies.
Mets manager Willie Randolph said the team has that type of attitude. They've adjusted to changes to the pitching rotation, and to injuries that have slowed Cliff Floyd and Jose Reyes, although the latter is back in the lineup.
"That's what you have to do," Randolph said. "No one is going to make excuses or care that you have injuries. That's why you have to be ready, have a strong bench and everyone has to make their contribution."
That's exactly what this team has done, and a good reason why the Mets have the biggest lead of any division leader in the Major Leagues. "That's why this team feels good about our chance to win," Randolph said. "That's very helpful when you have a good mental environment where guys expect to win every day. Everyone stays in the loop in the chemistry of things and they are going to contribute to the win."
Pitching matchup
NYM: RHP Pedro Martinez (5-2, 3.01 ERA)
Martinez was masterful in his last start against the Diamondbacks on May 31, though he got a no-decision despite throwing eight scoreless innings, permitting five hits and no walks.
ARI: RHP Russ Ortiz (0-4, 6.52 ERA)
Ortiz returned from a six-week stint on the DL on Tuesday. He allowed three earned runs in five innings, giving up four hits, six walks and striking out seven. Ortiz has been a disapointment since signing with the club prior to 2005 season, going 5-15.
Player to watch
Lastings Milledge is in his first slump at the Major League level, although he broke an 0-for-12 streak with a single on Saturday. Will the top prospect build off that or fall back into a funk?
On the Internet
MLB.TV
Gameday Audio
On television
• WB11
On radio
• WFAN 660 AM, WADO 1260 AM(Español)
Roof
Should be closed with temperatures expected to be close to 110 degrees.
Up next
• Monday: Off-day
• Tuesday: Mets (LHP Tom Glavine, 9-2, 3.06) at Phillies (RHP Ryan Madson, 6-3, 5.71), 7:05 p.m. ET
• Wednesday: Mets (RHP Orlando Hernandez 4-5, 5.48) at Phillies (RHP Brett Myers, 4-2, 3.44), 7:05 p.m. ET
• Thursday: Mets (RHP Steve Trachsel 3-4, 4.70) at Phillies (RHP Cory Lidle, 4-5 4.83), 7:05 p.m. ET
Pedro climbs the hill for series finale
By Jason P. Skoda / Special to MLB.com
It's nearing the middle of June, and the Mets have lived up to the preseason hype thus far, leading the National League East by 5 1/2 games.
Another step toward becoming one of the game's elite teams presents itself Sunday, when they have a chance to close out a four-game sweep of the first-place Diamondbacks at Chase Field.
And Pedro Martinez is on the mound. Championship-caliber teams win this game to keep the momentum flowing. On Tuesday, the Mets move on to Philadelphia for a three-game series against the second-place Phillies.
Mets manager Willie Randolph said the team has that type of attitude. They've adjusted to changes to the pitching rotation, and to injuries that have slowed Cliff Floyd and Jose Reyes, although the latter is back in the lineup.
"That's what you have to do," Randolph said. "No one is going to make excuses or care that you have injuries. That's why you have to be ready, have a strong bench and everyone has to make their contribution."
That's exactly what this team has done, and a good reason why the Mets have the biggest lead of any division leader in the Major Leagues. "That's why this team feels good about our chance to win," Randolph said. "That's very helpful when you have a good mental environment where guys expect to win every day. Everyone stays in the loop in the chemistry of things and they are going to contribute to the win."
Pitching matchup
NYM: RHP Pedro Martinez (5-2, 3.01 ERA)
Martinez was masterful in his last start against the Diamondbacks on May 31, though he got a no-decision despite throwing eight scoreless innings, permitting five hits and no walks.
ARI: RHP Russ Ortiz (0-4, 6.52 ERA)
Ortiz returned from a six-week stint on the DL on Tuesday. He allowed three earned runs in five innings, giving up four hits, six walks and striking out seven. Ortiz has been a disapointment since signing with the club prior to 2005 season, going 5-15.
Player to watch
Lastings Milledge is in his first slump at the Major League level, although he broke an 0-for-12 streak with a single on Saturday. Will the top prospect build off that or fall back into a funk?
On the Internet
MLB.TV
Gameday Audio
On television
• WB11
On radio
• WFAN 660 AM, WADO 1260 AM(Español)
Roof
Should be closed with temperatures expected to be close to 110 degrees.
Up next
• Monday: Off-day
• Tuesday: Mets (LHP Tom Glavine, 9-2, 3.06) at Phillies (RHP Ryan Madson, 6-3, 5.71), 7:05 p.m. ET
• Wednesday: Mets (RHP Orlando Hernandez 4-5, 5.48) at Phillies (RHP Brett Myers, 4-2, 3.44), 7:05 p.m. ET
• Thursday: Mets (RHP Steve Trachsel 3-4, 4.70) at Phillies (RHP Cory Lidle, 4-5 4.83), 7:05 p.m. ET