Mets-Phillies Preview: First of Many Great Series in 2009

This weekend, the New York Mets-Philadelphia Phillies rivalry will be renewed, as the two teams will be playing a three-game series at Citizens Bank Park.

Despite the slight similarity in name, the Mets’ new home, Citi Field, is very different from Citizens. Citizens Bank is a bashing box, while Citi…well, not so much. 

There have been more than 10 triples in Citi Field’s first 12 games. The Mets have a 6-6 record in their new home so far this season, which isn’t bad, but they can definitely do a lot better.

These NL East foes will also be meeting next week in a two-game series at Citi.

Many people are looking at this series as a tone-setter for each team’s season. I don’t think it is, because both of these teams are so good, that they can pretty much bounce back from anything. 

But I still predict that this is going to be a great series, easily one of the best in the early part of the 2009 season. I almost wish it was a four-game series, so that the clubs could split it.

The Mets have a 9-12 record at this point, while the Phillies are 11-9.  Philadelphia has overall been performing better, but things can change quickly. Both teams have a lot to play for here, especially the Mets.

This New York team can not get swept; that would put them in a huge hole that would be very tough to climb out of. The Mets need to at least take one; two would be great, and a sweep would be Amazin’.

On the other hand, the Phillies can afford a sweep, but it’s unlikely any Phil would allow that to happen. As long as this team takes just one game, they will still be over .500, and if the Phillies win the series, then they will be in good shape.

I am predicting that the Mets will win the series 2-1, but I know that each inning is going to be exciting.