Dickey for All-Star Game Starter Applesauce: Praise Dickey, Praise Dickey and Praise Dickey

Meet the Mets

Dickey be praised! The Mets cruised to a 2-0 victory and a 3-1 series win behind the fluttering knuckleball of R.A. Dickey. And while you might think Dickey couldn't possibly get more awesome, let me just point out he is now using the Game of Thrones theme as his at-bat music. The Mets offense didn't do much, but when you have R.A. Dickey on the mound, you only need to pull out enough to win. One run should do the trick. The Mets welcome the Phillies into town for three games starting today at 1:10 PM. Jon Niese opposes Coal Hammels. Adam Rubin has the series preview.

This is the start of a punishing stretch of games that will take the Mets through to the all-star break. Let's see what this team is made of. If they can come out the other side still six games over .500, I'll be ready to saddle up for meaningful games in September.

Before we start focusing on the Phillies, Mark Simon goes inside the numbers of the Mets/Padres series. Mostly to talk about how awesome R.A. Dickey is. I'll allow it.

It was Banner Day at Citi. Jason Fry of Faith and Fear in Flushing takes some time to reflect, and Mets Police has video of all the banners.

David Wright is slumping? TRAID! But seriously, extend him now, his value will never be lower again! Also, extend R.A. Dickey while you are at it.

Around the NL East

The Phillies come to town having gotten blasted by the Cardinals and our old friend Carlos Beltran. Roy Halladay left the start with some soreness in the back of his shoulder, but I'm sure it's fine.

Matt Cain outdueled Ricky Nolasco as the Marlins split their series with the Giants. Also, good news for the rest of the NL East as Heath Bell will remain the Marlins closer.

And on Sunday Night Baseball, Gio Gonzalez continues to be frighteningly good on the mound, as the Nats downed the Braves.

Around MLB

Let the Roy Oswalt race begin! The free agent starter is now apparently looking for the biggest payday.

Here's your interesting stat of the day courtesy of Beyond the Box Score.

The Rays scored two in the ninth to beat the Red Sox, and are now tied for first in the chaotic AL East.

The underrated Paul Konerko blasted his 400th home run as the White Sox beat the Indians. I will spare you the Hawk Harrelson call. When you speak of me, speak well.

Break up the Angels! Los Angeles of Anaheim has now won six in a row and is within shouting distance of .500.

Wendy Thurm of Baseball Nation looks at what MLB can do to curb its drunk driving problem.

And finally, this happened. Good ol' Great American Small Park.