Mets Open Series Against Phillies In Phliadelphia

This might not what we were waiting for two weeks ago, but there isn't a Mets fan who isn't "amped" for the weekend series against the Phillies.

Surprisingly the Mets hold a 1/2 game lead over the Phillies, and are in first place going into this weekend series.

The Mets are coming off a superb 9-1 homestand, where they have won seven in a row. It is their best homestand since they had the same record in 1988...the year the won the NL East.

One thing all Mets fans must remember; it is only April/May. If the Mets do well - go 2-1 or 3-0, this won't clinch the NL East and send the Phillies reeling.

Conversely, if the Mets go 1-2, it won't wrap the division up for the Phils.

The Mets had dominated the Phils the first half of the season in 2007 - didn't have any bearing on how the season ended.

The Mets rotation sets up well against the Phillies:

Friday - 7:05 PM WPIX:

Jon n Niese takes the hill against Kyle Kendrick. Kendrick has a 0-0 record, but his ERA is a bloated 7.71. Niese has pitched well, but hasn't dominated, going 0-1 with a respectable 3.68 ERA.

Saturday 3:10 PM Fox

Mike Pelfrey opposes the legendary Roy Halladay. Halladay is 4-1 with an amazing 1.80 ERA. Pelfrey has been solid thus far and is 4-0 with a 0.69 ERA. Big Pelf has the best ERA in the Majors. Call me nuts, but I like this match-up.

Sunday - 8:05 PM ESPN

Johan Santana will take on the ageless Jamie Moyer. Moyer is a disappointing 2-2 with a 5.25 ERA. Santana also has been disappointing in the early going this season. He is 3-1 with a respectable 2.08 ERA, but hasn't pitched like we were expecting. I look for Johan to have a break out game on national TV.

There you have it. I'm not saying the Mets will go 2-1 or 3-0 this weekend. Their rotation matches up well this weekend, and we can take some solace at where we are right now.

So, sit back, pop a few cold ones, and enjoy this series. It could be the beginning of a real fun rivalry this season.

Thanks to Baseball Reference for the pitching stats, and CBS Sportsline for the schedules and pitching line-ups.