PREGAME: Mets @ Braves

The New York Mets (7-8) take on the Atlanta Braves (12-3) at the Disney's Wide World of Sports complex in Orlando in Grapefruit League play. Jon Niese (0-1, 9.00) is the starter for the Mets, while Johan Santana is scheduled to pitch in a minor league intrasquad game. Game time is 1:05 PM EST, and you can follow the live box score at MLB.com.

Here's the lineup for the Mets:

Marlon Anderson, 2b
Jose Valentin, 3b
Daniel Murphy, lf
Nick Evans, 1b
Ryan Church, rf
Bobby Kielty, cf
Robinson Cancel, c
Ruben Tejada, ss
Jon Niese, sp

With Freddy Garcia pitching like a high school freshman and Tim Redding not doing himself any favors by being out of shape, it looks like the fifth spot in the rotation is now between veteran Livan Hernandez and rookie Jon Niese. Although most people disagree with the move, Jerry Manuel has said publicly that Niese is still an option for this team's fifth spot in the rotation on opening day.

I've said it before, Jerry Manuel loves Jon Niese. If Niese pitches well in his final appearances of the spring, he could very well find himself in Queens this April. That is, of course, if the Mets don't sign Pedro (which I'm starting to hope they do).

Anyways, I'm still here cheering no matter what...Let's Go Mets!