September 9, 2008

Home games: Despite Wagner loss, Mets look good

NewYorkology contributor Scott Ross keeps you abreast of upcoming Mets and Yankees home games in New York City. Jack Donaghy convinced Ross to join the GE family in the summer of 2008. Here’s your look at major league baseball in New York City this week:

The Metropolitans once again climbed aboard Carlos Delgado’s shoulder to salvage the last game of their three-game set with the Phillies on Sunday — and with it, sole possession of first place. With Philadelphia’s loss Monday night, the Mets’ lead is now 2 ½ games with 19 to play. As anyone from Queens can tell you, last year at this time the Mets led Philly by seven with 17 to play before going into a historic tailspin.

Will it happen again? It seems unlikely, though with closer Billy Wagner lost for the remainder of 2008 — and possibly 2009, one can’t help but wonder if there’s a bad moon rising over Shea again. But with the hapless Nationals and Braves coming to town, the Mets’ fortunes look good. They face five pitchers with a combined record or 26-42.

Meanwhile, in the Bronx, Yankee fans are faced with a dilemma reminiscent of “Sophie’s Choice.” Each game the Yankees win helps improves the Red Sox’ chances of winning the AL East. For the Yankees to make the playoffs, they would have to win all 19 of their remaining games, while the Sox and Rays would both have to play sub-.500 ball. Ain’t happenin’.

With both ballparks facing the wrecking ball this winter, time’s running out. If you want to get to Yankee Stadium one last time, on Saturday go check out Mike Mussina against the talented Matt Garza, he of the million-dollar arm and ten-cent head. If Shea’s your preference, you can watch Johan Santana spin his magic Saturday, or you can watch two wildly overpaid men – Mike Hampton and Pedro Martinez — well past their prime trying to somehow justify their contracts on Friday.

Washington Nationals at New York Mets
Tuesday @ 7:10, John Lannan (8-13) vs. Oliver Perez (10-7)
Wednesday @ 7:10, Odalis Perez (6-10) vs. Mike Pelfry (13-9), Mr. Met T-shirt night

Atlanta Braves at New York Mets
Friday @7:10, Mike Hampton (2-2) vs. Pedro Martinez (5-4)
Saturday @ 3:55, Jo-Jo Reyes (3-10) vs. Johan Santana (12-7), Military Appreciation/Cap Giveaway
Sunday @ 1:10, Jorge Campillo (7-7) vs. Oliver Perez (10-7), Stadium Tin/Mr. Met Dash

Tampa Bay Devil Rays vs. New York Yankees
Friday @ 7:05, Scott Shields (12-8) vs. Sydney Ponson (8-5), Illuminated Keychain Night
Saturday @ 1:05, Matt Garza (11-9) vs. Mike Mussina (17-8), Student Planner Day
Sunday @ 1:05, Edwin Jackson (11-10) vs. Carl Pavano, Beanie Buddy Day

Next Week: The Yankees play host to the ChiSox and Orioles, while the Mets head off to DC and Atlanta.

Tickets to Yankees games can be purchased here. See NewYorkology’s guide to Yankee Stadium for the rundown on how to get there, where to meet, eat and eventually, sit.

Tickets to Mets games can be purchased here, while directions for getting to and around the stadium are also available. (The New York Water Taxi will not be running the Mets Express to Shea during the 2008 season but Rocks Off Concert Cruises and Seastreak are hitting some games.)

Image source: Forever Collectibles New York Mets Animated Plush Mascot

September 9, 2008 10:04 AM in Kids, Out of Manhattan, Sports

®Copyright 2008, All Rights Reserved