PREGAME: Mets vs. Nationals (Game 1)

The New York Mets (6-9) host the Washington Nationals (3-11) tonight in the series opener at Citi Field. Johan Santana (2-1, 0.46) makes his fourth start of the young season, pitching opposite of former Marlins left-hander Scott Olsen (0-2, 9.00). The Mets are looking to put an end to their current four-game skid.

Pitching Comparison
Johan Santana (Career vs. Nationals): 5 GS, 4-1, 2.50 ERA, 36.0 IP, 30 K, 1.056 WHIP

Scott Olsen (Career vs. Mets): 13 GS, 1-5, 4.74 ERA, 76.0 IP, 57 K, 1.408 WHIP

Tonight's Lineup
Jose Reyes, ss
Luis Castillo, 2b
Carlos Beltran, cf
Carlos Delgado, 1b
David Wright, 3b
Gary Sheffield, rf
Fernando Tatis, lf
Ramon Castro, c
Johan Santana, sp

Mets Hitters vs. Scott Olsen
Jose Reyes: 14 for 35, 4 2B, 3B, HR, 5 RBI, 2 BB, 6 SO
Luis Castillo: 3 for 10, HR, 3 RBI, 2 BB
Carlos Beltran: 13 for 30, 3 2B, 4 HR, 11 RBI, 5 BB, 2 SO
Carlos Delgado: 7 for 29, 2B, HR, 4 RBI, BB, 7 SO
David Wright: 9 for 32, 4 2B, 3 HR, 6 RBI, 3 BB, 5 SO
Gary Sheffield: 0 for 0
Fernando Tatis: 2 for 9, RBI
Ramon Castro: 1 for 8, 3 SO

The Mets couldn't have caught a bigger break by getting the Nationals on a homestand after being swept in St. Louis this week. Johan Santana, who has been lights-out this season so far by allowing just one earned run on opening day, will look to help shove the Mets back on the right track.

Scott Olsen has seen little success against the Mets throughout his career, but he did shut them down on the last day of the season in 2008, keeping them out of the playoffs for the second straight year. On the other hand, perhaps Manuel's ultimatum will light a fire under his rotation, seeing how he has boldly stated they have one more start to improve or else they will lose their spot in the rotation.

I love this strategy. We never had that with Willie, and the team suffered from it. It's tough love, and it usually works with guys like Maine, Ollie, and Pelfrey. Should the Mets rip off say eight of their next ten, I think Manuel should receive a good portion, if not all, credit for the turnaround.

Of course, if it doesn't work, he's going to have to follow through with his plans, which means we could be seeing either Jon Niese or Dillon Gee in the big leagues next week, or maybe even both. That would be an interesting shake-up, wouldn't you say? One so interesting that if it doesn't work, it could cost him his job.

I love managers who take risks. It's all apart of the game, baby...

So here we go. Let's Go Mets!