Philadelphia at New York

The Mets and Phillies square off in New York in a big early season matchup. The Mets will start their ace, Johan Santana, who always has to be considered in games he starts. Santana isn't just a top pitcher he has been a top pitcher vs. the Phillies, where he is 3-0 with a 2.44 ERA over his career. Santana has allowed just 30 hits in 43.1 innings of work vs. the Phillies, walking only nine. That means that the Phil's have gotten less than one base runner per inning against Santana. The big difference with Santana this year from past years is that he is backed by the best bullpen in the National League, with a 2.94 ERA. The end of that pen is Francisco Rodriguez, who has converted all 15 save opportunities this season, and has a 0.68 ERA. The Phillies’ closer, Brad Lidge, is really struggling with an 0-3 record and 7.27 ERA. Lidge has already blown six saves. I like the Mets to win this one.