With some help from mlb.com's depth charts and inquiry of fellow SB Nation writers, I compiled the projected starting pitching matchups for the first ten games of the Mets season. I think the listed Mets rotation is fairly accurate, and it doesn't seem likely that Johan Santana will be held back a day to make the first start in Citi Field history. Having home-grown Mike Pelfrey make the start is fine by me. Here it is, subject to change obviously:
| Date | Mets Pitcher | Opponent Pitcher | Opponent |
|---|---|---|---|
| April 6 | Johan Santana | Aaron Harang | Reds |
| April 8 | Mike Pelfrey | Edinson Volquez | |
| April 9 | Oliver Perez | Bronson Arroyo | |
| April 10 | John Maine | Anibal Sanchez | Marlins |
| April 11 | Livan Hernandez | Andrew Miller | |
| April 12 | Johan Santana | Ricky Nolasco | |
| April 13 | Mike Pelfrey | Walter Silva | Padres |
| April 15 | Oliver Perez | Kevin Correia | |
| April 16 | John Maine | Shawn Hill | |
| April 17 | Livan Hernandez | Dave Bush | Brewers |
The good news is that the Padres' Jake Peavy and Chris Young are projected to miss the Mets during their second starts. The bad news is Harang, Volquez, and Nolasco are top-notch, but it's the first week of the season so facing pitchers of their caliber is to be expected. The Harangatang has struggled in 20 career innings against the Mets, posting a 5.85 ERA. Santana vs. Nolasco on the first Sunday of the season is a rematch of the Sept. 27, 2008 classic, which resulted in a 2-0 Mets win behind Santana's 3-hit shutout. The rest of the names here aren't terribly frightening, although Hill has been effective when healthy, Sanchez threw a no-hitter in 2006, and Arroyo owned the Mets in 2008 (1.69 ERA, 4.33 K/BB in 16 IP). Bush posted a 4.18 ERA in 2008, but that's deceptive because of an excessively low .245 BABIP. Predictions for the Mets record after ten games? I'll go with 7-3.
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