Clean Slate 2008

The smell of the fresh grass, hot dogs, and iced brews can only mean one thing: Opening Day.  That's right it is opening day 2008.  That means every team is 0-0, the race to October starts now.  For the Mets though, the approach is very serious.  The Metropolitans are set on one goal: Winning the World Series. Anything worse would be a failure.  After reconstructing the mishaps that led to last season's monumental collapse the Mets have their goal and will reach it.  The Orange and Blue's first mission: The Florida Marlins.  The Marlins spoiled the Mets season last year dominating them on the final game, ultimately eliminating them from the playoffs.  However, the Marlins took huge hits losing their main ace, Dontrelle Willis, and their best position player in Miguel Cabrera.  The Marlins are a very young team with alot to prove.  The core of their team is the middle of the infield with youngsters Hanley Ramirez and Dan Uggla, both whom have the ability to have 30 homers in 2008.

Pitching Matchup

Johan Santana (NYM):  Santana is starting his first game after being traded to the Mets on opening day at the Marlins.  Santana has played the Marlins twice in his career beating them both times with an ERA of 1.59 against them.

Mark Hendrickson (Fla):  The Marlins have serious pitching issues.  This guy has only seen the Mets for a total of 3 innings.  He was signed as a free agent from the Dodgers over this offseason. Last year he had a 4-8 recored with a 5.21 ERA

Key Player: 3B David Wright batted .411 with 3 HRs against Florida last year.  Wright is also on a 17 game hitting streak going into opening day 2008.