PREGAME: Mets @ Brewers

The New York Mets (37-37) travel to Milwaukee to begin a series with the Brewers (40-35). Fernando Nieve (3-0, 1.31) makes his fourth start for the Mets, while former Mets' closer Braden Looper (5-4, 5.16) gets the nod for the Brew Crew.

Game time is 7:05 PM EST, and will be broadcast nationally on ESPN. Follow the action live online via MLB.TV or MLB.com's Gameday application.

Pitching Matchup
Fernando Nieve: 3 GS, 3-0, 1.31 ERA, 20.2 IP, 13 K, 11 H, 9 BB, 3 ER

Braden Looper: 15 GS, 5-4, 5.16 ERA, 83.2 IP, 52 K, 92 H, 25 BB, 48 ER

Tonight's Lineup

Argenis Reyes, ss

Daniel Murphy, 1b

David Wright, 3b

Gary Sheffield, lf

Ryan Church, rf

Fernando Martinez, cf

Brian Schneider, c

Luis Castillo, 2b

Fernando Nieve, sp

This is the beginning of a crucial period for the Mets, as their performance in these next 16 or so games will likely determine how the Mets will act before the deadline. My feeling is that if they play well, no major moves will be made. However, if they continue to play like they are now, expect Omar to acquire another bat for this lineup, someone like Adam Dunn, Brad Hawpe, or even Matt Holliday.

Jerry Manuel has used yet another lineup again tonight, and quite frankly I've just about had it. Yes, this team is riddled with injuries and wouldn't beat too many teams out there as it is, but by switching lineups practically every day you are guaranteeing nobody gets into a hot streak.

That's what makes a role player good; every now and then he is able to come off the bench in the event of an injury and hopefully catch fire. Well, this team is in need of a blaze but Jerry Manuel is fire retardant.

I was happy to see Tatis was not in the lineup, but discouraged when I saw Argenis Reyes was starting and leading off. Leading off? Are you kidding me, Jerry? And what the heck ever happened to Nick Evans? He was hitting the cover off the ball since being recalled, but did not see any action in the weekend series against the Yankees.

Win or lose, consider me OFFICIALLY on-board the "Fire Jerry" campaign. Enough is enough...

With that being said, LGM!