Benny Sieu-US PRESSWIRE

Kyle Kendrick has been the man for the Phillies of late. He is riding a three game winning streak, and has lowered his ERA nearly a whole run in the process. Given Kendrick’s long track record of futility this recent stretch has to be a mirage, like a pool of fresh water in the middle of a desert. However, as long as Kyle continues to have confidence in his fastball he might actually become a serviceable starter…NAHH.

Jonathan Niese (10-7, 3.51 ERA)

Charles LeClaire-US PRESSWIRE

Niese has been a workhorse for the Mets, tossing nearly 160 innings already, and should eclipse 200 by the end of the year. The biggest difference with the lefty has to be his schnoz. Niese got a nose job this year to trim down his giant nose. The reduced gravitational pull from the middle of his face has undoubtably had a positive impact on the mound. As a fellow New York resident I understand the pressures to look good and stay fashionable. He may not be a GQ model, but it’s a step in the right direction.

Total Breakdown

Thursday’s game would be a good opportunity for Charlie to give Polanco some at bats. Placido is hitting .344 in his career against the southpaw (11-32) with a .900 OPS.  Polanco has become a forgotten man on the Phillies roster, but the man can still hit lefties.

Conversely, Utley and Howard are hitting a combined .103 (3-29) against Niese. Sleep in boys, today is not your day.

David Wright is one player who should be looking forward to facing Kendrick. Wright is hitting .344 with 2 dingers against the righty. Kendrick isn’t the only victim of Wright’s hot hitting, as he is hitting .286 with 6 HR and 24 RBI. Don’t feel bad Kyle, no one can get this guy out.

Future Phillie? Eric Hartline-US PRESSWIRE

David Wright has a broken pinky.  He also absolutely destroyed a pitch from Vance Worley in the first inning just after the announcing team questioned his capabilities based on his injury.  Just shut up and call the damn game jerkwads.  You don’t hear Larry Andersen talking about David Wright.  He is much more interested in talking about recreational drug use and how much he hated to hit in the major leagues. 

That first inning home run from Wright would proved to be the game winner as Jonathan Niese, Bobby Parnell and Jon Rauch combined to shut out the Phillies.  No one on the team managed more than one hit as the Phillies never really threatened against Niese.  The Mets tacked on three runs in the fourth and another run in the ninth.  5-0 win for the Mets.  This one was pretty gross.

On a different note; David Wright has started the season on fire.  If the offense and specifically Placido Polanco continue to struggle, there will continue to be a groundswell of support for the acquisition of the Mets third baseman.  The real question here does not hinge upon his availability, but on what sort of package the Mets would require for Wright’s services.  Ruben Amaro has shown a propensity to make a big splash, but this has left the minor league bereft of blue chip prospects.  At what point would the current struggle necessitate a major move?  This a really good question, but not one best addressed if the Mets pull off the sweep.