PREGAME: Mets @ Pirates

The New York Mets (38-39) will take on the Pittsburgh Pirates (36-42) in a make-up game from last month, when the Pirates swept the Mets in three games at PNC Park. Tim Redding (1-3, 6.35) makes the start for the Mets, while Paul Maholm (5-4, 4.35) takes the hill for the Bucs.

Game time is 12:35 PM EST, and will be broadcast locally on SNY. Right now there are light showers in Pittsburgh and the tarp in on the field, but it should clear up soon and they should be underway shortly.

Today's Lineup

Luis Castillo, 2b

Alex Cora, ss

David Wright, 3b

Gary Sheffield, rf

Fernando Tatis, lf

Ryan Church, cf

Nick Evans, 1b

Omir Santos, c

Tim Redding, sp

It would be nice to get a little bit of revenge on the team that absolutely embarrassed the Mets a couple weeks ago, so I'm hoping for a blowout victory in the Mets' favor. You've got to believe that they are hungry to get even with these guys, especially with the shots Beltran and Adam LaRoche were taking at each other after the series had concluded.

Tim Redding no longer has to face the pesky Nyjer Morgan or Nate McClouth, either, so this may be a good day after all. However, McCutcheon, Wilson, and Young are hitting the ball pretty well lately, so as long as he gets through the top of the order, he should be fine.

By the way, Baseball Prospectus reports that the Mets signed Venezuelan LHP Juan Urbina, who is the son of former MLB pitcher Ugueth Urbina. Here's a brief scouting report:

"Juan Urbina, who has a slender 6-foot-1 frame, throws an 88-89 mph fastball that some scouts say has touched 90-91. With a loose arm and a projectable body, Urbina'a fastball projects as a future plus if not plus-plus pitch. Urbina also has a curveball that could be a future plus offering, with a smooth delivery and a clean follow-through.

One scout called Urbina the best lefthanded pitcher he has seen in Venezuela in the last five years, high praise for a country that produced Martin Perez of the Rangers."

Not bad...maybe he turns out to be a decent relief pitcher?

Anyways, LGM!