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Saturday MLB: Mets vs. Phillies, 3:55 p.m. ET

Posted on April 17, 2008 | 9:08 AM ET Filed under:

In 2007, the New York Mets and Philadelphia Phillies went down to the wire before the Phillies clinched the National League East crown by a single game. Neither team is doing too well in 2008; New York is 7-6, and Philadelphia is 7-8. They’ll take turns beating on each other starting Friday at Citizens Bank Park.

Saturday’s matinee is expected to feature Oliver Perez on the mound for the Mets against 45-year-old southpaw Jamie Moyer. Perez was flawless in his first two starts before getting shelled for six runs by the Brewers. He hasn’t made it into the seventh inning yet, so the Mets’ bullpen (two blown saves in three chances) should get a workout.

Moyer also hasn’t pitched more than six innings this year, but he’s only had one good game out of his first three starts. And while the Mets are third in the majors in on-base percentage at .358, the Phillies as a team have a mediocre .332 OBP, No. 15 out of 30.

Philly has the advantage in the bullpen with closer Brad Lidge (one hit in five innings) resurrecting his career. But shortstop Jimmy Rollins has a sprained left ankle and outfielder Shane Victorino has strained right calf. Rollins is getting a couple days off and may not be ready to play by Saturday.

The Mets’ main injury concerns are in the starting rotation. Although outfielder Moises Alou has a hernia, former Cub Angel Pagan has been brilliant in his absence with a .429 OBP. That kind of support makes Perez and the Mets the better team.



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