Shea Preview

Every game, the rivalry gets more and more intense. Every game, the fans trash talk one and other in the stands. Every game, there are chants. Every game, gets louder and louder. Every game, both teams play down to the wire. Every game, is close. Every game, there is emotion. Every game, somebody is clapping their hand and pointing up to the sky. Every game, means more than you thing. Every game counts.

The Phillies dropped to 3 games behind the New York Mets in the National League East. The Phillies have a huge serious this weekend against them at Shea Stadium.

A sweep would land the Phillies and Mets in a virtual tie for first place. The Phillies had the Mets number in last 8 games against each other in 2007. However this year is a whole different year. A sweep would be nice, but 2 out of 3 would be huge for the Phillies. That would land them just 1 out.

The Met's can't "collapse" like they did last year. The don't have the big lead they did last year with less than 20 games left. The can still finish second, but I would not classify it is a "collapse."

Probable Matchups

Friday- Brett Myers (8-10, 4.40 ERA) vs. Mike Pelfrey (13-8, 3.66 ERA)

Myers has continued his dominance since he came back from the minor leagues. Myers is 5-1 with a 1.78 ERA since the All Star Game. On the otherhand, the young Mike Pelfrey has had a very good year in his time with the big club.

Saturday- Jamie Moyer (12-7, 3.80 ERA) vs. Pedro Martinez (5-3, 5.07 ERA)

A rematch of the wild 8-7, 11 inning Phillies win at the end of August. Moyer was roughed up giving up 6 runs in just 3 innings of work. Pedro Matinez gave up 5 runs in that game.

Sunday- Cole Hamels (12-8, 3.01 ERA) vs. Johan Santana (12-7 2.71 ERA)

The only problem with both of these pitchers has been their run support. Both pitchers have been excellent all year on the hill.

Also, the Philies are still in the Wild Card hunt. The Phillies trail the Milwaukee Brewers by 4.5 games. The Brewers were just swept by the Mets, and the Phillies have a big 4 game series coming up with them. There is always a chance the Phillies and Mets can both be in the postseason.

The key right now for the Phillies is the bullpen. While the Mets have a weak bullpen, they have held up for the last few weeks or so, for the most part. Outside of Brad Lidge, the Phillies bullpen hasn't been doing to hot. They bullpen has been used a lot this season. Some guys maybe have been overused or overworked. Some guys have never pitched so many innings their career. Hopefully it is just a phase and the bullpen will dominate like they did earlier this season. The off day doesn't hurt.