For those reading this in real time, the game starts in 3 hours. Hooray for time zones.

The Mets are on the West Coast facing what could be the best rotation in the MLB so far. The West coast gave them some early troubles last year, and April proved to be a mighty beast for the Mets. John Maine will kick it off for the Mets, 2-2 3.58 ERA. The Mets have lost both games Maine started on the road, where his ERA so far is 5.40, mostly due to the four runs on eight hits in just four innings while in Atlanta. He’s lasted six full innings in three of his five starts, and while the pen has had a full day off, they got a bit of a work out in the last game, so a full six from Maine to start the series would be a big help. Maine faces off against Micah Owings, 4-0 3.48 ERA. Owings took a no decision in his sole appearance against the Mets, giving up 3 earned runs in six innings, while walking four and striking out five. Owings has been hot, winning four of his starts, all of which he went at least six innings. His last start was his sole blemish, getting caught for five runs off five hits in five innings against the Giants.

For those who missed the lineup courtesy of Peter:

• SS Reyes
• RF Church
• 3B Wright
• CF Beltran
• LF Alou
• 1B Delgado
• C Casanova
• 2B Castillo
• P Maine

Alou is back, and ready to play for the first time this season. I missed you Moises. A great time for his return too, Alou is .337 career against the Diamondbacks including 16 homeruns, 10 doubles and a triple. He is 2 for 2 in the only game he faced Owings. Church goes back to the second spot, where he thrived previously. He’s hitting .400 on the road, and is .289 against Arizona. Like Alou, Beltran has also faired well against the Snakes, going .364 in 110 at bats. To date this season, he’s hitting just .211 with 13 RBIs. This game has quit the potential to be a breakout game for the team.

Game time is 9:40 pm, and for those of you both awake and sober, can be found on SNY and WFAN. As always, join us in the Hot Foot Bleachers to discuss the game, Mets baseball, and to bid a found farewell to retiree Julio Franco, the oldest man to be mentioned in a Hot Foot Pre Game Post.