Mets and Braves playing a doubleheader at Shea today. Rain in the forecast for tonight. First game at 4 p.m., the second about a half-hour later. Late start courtesy of TV.

Johan Santana against Mike Hampton in the first game; Jon Niese and Jo-Jo Reyes in the second game.

Brian Schneider catches Santana and will catch Oliver Perez tomorrow. Robinson Cancel will catch Niese in the second game.

Jerry Manuel tried to be coy before the game, saying he didn’t know the club’s magic number is 14. Don’t believe him. I think he’s aware of all those things. He’s too sharp not to know.

Speaking of which, I think it would be appropriate to announce an extension for him and his interim coaches.

Posted under New York Mets

With the rainout, the game will be made up as single admission doubleheader for tomorrow. Those holding tickets for the canceled game can exchange them for a game during the rest of 2008.

The rotation changes with Johan Santana and Jon Niese going tomorrow. Oliver Perez takes the mound on Sunday, followed by Pedro Martinez and Mike Pelfrey for the first two games in Washington. The Mets have yet to determine who goes on Wednesday, but Santana is scheduled to pitch again on Thursday.

The Mets said the rotation switch took place so there won’t be two TBAs in a row.

Posted under New York Mets