[Nuke]

The Mets are the defending NL East champs but the Phillies indeed were up and coming and with some great offseason moves they are a solid contender. Of course Jimmy Rollins shooting off his mouth is naturally gonna throw gas on this blaze of a battle for the division (I think Rollins has Reyes shortstop envy! ) but the die was already cast for the Mets and Phils to battle each other for supremacy. The Phils certainly have better starting pitching but the Mets have one of the best bullpens in the majors. Power and speed i'd go with the Mets too but not by much especially with the reigning NL MVP playing first in Philly. So who will win the division in october? My pick is the Mets, but then again i'm a Mets fan! I wonder what you boys and girls think of this renewed rivalry which will be exciting to see?

[EmpireWF]

The Phillies should be competing for the wild card. I just don't see how the Mets have declined that much since last season. Sure their starting pitching is a questionmark but their offense/defense/bullpen have stayed the same if not improved.

But the Phils sure revamped that rotation.

[Phils20]

I'm really looking forward to some great Phils-Mets Games! A nice rivalry is needed! As long as we keep the Braves in the rear view, I'll be happy!

Having said that, lets go Phillies!

I'm ready for the first pitch! I'm hopeful our run scoring and starters can get us off to a better start than we have had the last few years, and that we can keep that rolling though the season. It is a tough early sched for the Phillies, so getting a good start will tell the tale!

Play Ball!

[Nuke]

Originally Posted by EmpireWF

The Phillies should be competing for the wild card. I just don't see how the Mets have declined that much since last season. Sure their starting pitching is a questionmark but their offense/defense/bullpen have stayed the same if not improved.

But the Phils sure revamped that rotation.

The Mets rotation which was aging to start with has a lot of injuries and unnproven pitchers. Frankly, this worries me. Maybe the offense can carry them until El Duque and Pedro returns hoping they come back in a productive form.

[MJHMarc]

The Mets stellar offense can only carry them so far.

Their lack of pitching will be a crucial start to the beginning of the season. But once they restore their staff, they shall be cruising to victory.

[Nuke]

Originally Posted by MJHMarc

The Mets stellar offense can only carry them so far.

Their lack of pitching will be a crucial start to the beginning of the season. But once they restore their staff, they shall be cruising to victory.

I hope you're right Marc. I agree that they can't outbash their opponents all year. I just hope Pedro's and Hernandez's injuries heal ok...they aren't spring chickens by any means.

[EmpireWF]

El Duque is okay, nothing serious. But then again, he never makes it through a season at 100%.

[MJHMarc]

El Duque should be slotted as an alt. starter, since his health is questionable. Pedro Martinez is no longer a strong force in the MLB, as other pitchers are rising to power as he relaxes on the DL.

[EmpireWF]

But once Pedro is healthy, he is a top flight pitcher in the league. It's just that it will take place in August.

[azrael492]

The Mets have an inexperienced and beat up rotation. Without Pedro, I don't see them winning the division this year. Their bullpen is good, but they have to get a lead to hold. I see a lot of 8-7 games in their future.

[Nuke]

Originally Posted by EmpireWF

But once Pedro is healthy, he is a top flight pitcher in the league. It's just that it will take place in August.

IF he can get healthy Empire. IF! Otherwise I agree that Pedro is a top notch starter but his health scares the snot out of me. I hope he doesn't turn into Randy Johnson circa Yankees.

[Nuke]

Originally Posted by azrael492

The Mets have an inexperienced and beat up rotation. Without Pedro, I don't see them winning the division this year. Their bullpen is good, but they have to get a lead to hold. I see a lot of 8-7 games in their future.

I think a lot of guys like Pelfrey are gonna step up given the chance and give the bullpen a chance to hold the game. If they have to score a few more runs to do that then the Mets have that power in spades.