In case you're wondering, I didn't forget about last night's game. I went out for dinner a couple of hours before game time, and I didn't put up a game thread because I doubted that the weather would be decent enough to get five innings in. Obviously, I was wrong (although based on the highlights I saw, Shea Stadium was pretty much enveloped by fog for a significant portion of last night's game). Congratulations to Nelson Figueroa, who delivered a performance far better than what was expected against a tough lineup and picked up his first major-league win in five years for the team he grew up rooting for. As much as I may have doubted Figueroa's ability to contribute to a major-league ballclub, it's very easy to root for the guy - the story of the Brooklyn native's journey through the world of baseball is quite remarkable.

I'll be attending this afternoon's game, and I'm excited for reasons beyond it being my first trip out to Shea this year. Today is Johan Santana's first home start as a Met, and as if that wasn't enough, Ben Sheets will be starting for the Brewers. A fantastic pitching matchup, an important moment in Mets history, what more could I ask for (other than a Mets victory and decent weather)?

Jose Reyes will probably sit out today after leaving last night's game with tightness in his hamstring, while Luis Castillo seems ready to return to the lineup after missing three games with a sore knee. I'd imagine that with Reyes out, Castillo (who has hit well against Sheets over the course of his career) will bat leadoff.

Let's Go Mets!

Links

MLB Gameday

Baseball-Reference Game Preview

Fangraphs Live Scoreboard