PREGAME: Mets @ Brewers

The New York Mets (37-38) continue their series with the Milwaukee Brewers (41-35) tonight at Miller Park. Johan Santana (9-5, 3.08) tries to stop the bleeding for the Mets, while Mike Burns (0-1, 3.72) gets the nod for the Brewers.

Game time is 8:05 PM EST, and will be broadcast locally on SNY. Follow the game live online via MLB.TV or MLB.com's Gameday application.

Pitching Matchup
Johan Santana: 15 GS, 9-5, 3.08 ERA, 96.1 IP, 86 H, 33 ER, 30 BB, 100 K

Mike Burns: 2 G (1 GS), 0-1, 3.72 ERA, 9.2 IP, 10 H, 4 ER, 5 BB, 7 K

Tonight's Lineup

Alex Cora, ss

Fernando Tatis, 2b

David Wright, 3b

Gary Sheffield, lf

Ryan Church, rf

Nick Evans, 1b

Fernando Martinez, cf

Omir Santos, c

Johan Santana, sp

I've gotta say, this might be one of the smartest lineups Manuel has put out in the last couple of weeks, although I don't agree with Tatis hitting second. He has been looking better at the plate lately, so let's pray he is about to get red hot like he did last season.

As for Johan, I really hope he has his 'ace' stuff tonight, because if the Mets lose their fifth straight with their ace on the mound, morale will be at an all-time low for the Amazins. Actually, I should probably even stop using that word, unless I refer to them as the Amazin' losers.

By the way, Frank Thomas is no longer the Big Hurt...that title goes to the Mets' organization.

And with the rumors of Alex Rios being available for nearly nothing, I really hope Omar has been on the phone all day trying to work something out. I find it incredibly hard to believe that he hasn't been trying to work a deal involving Adam Dunn or Alex Rios with the way this team is playing.

Waking up in the morning and finding out that no trade has been made yet is like waking up to an empty Christmas tree on December 25th...

But, I have no choice but to stay faithful and pray for a miracle. LGM!