Break out the brooms! The Mets defeated the Giants by a score of 7-3 this afternoon, sweeping the series, and extending their winning streak to 6 straight games. Scott Schoeneweis pitched a perfect 7th for the win. Sergio Romo took the loss for the Giants.

John Maine had a live fastball today, but no control. In the end, Maine pitched 4.2 innins, allowing three runs on two hits, while walking five and striking out eight. Giants starter Barry Zito wasn’t much better, allowing three runs in five innings of work. Zito also walked six on the day.

Fernando Tatis had the big day at the dish, with a double, homer and four RBI. “SuperTatis”, as he’s known in the Hot Foot Bleachers, has been great for us lately. Who needs Moises Alou?

Hats off to Carlos Muniz as well, who pitched 1.1 innings of work after relieving Maine in the 5th. I’m not Muniz’s biggest fan, but he got the job done today. Duaner Sanchez and Billy Wagner finished the Giants off.

The Mets look to keep on winning tomorrow when the Rockies come to town. Ollie Perez will face off against Aaron Cook.

The Mets look for the sweep today versus the Giants at Shea, starting at 1:10 PM EST. John Maine will toe the rubber for the Mets, and opposing him will be the Giants 126m man Barry Zito. The game can be seen on SNY and heard on WFAN.

Keys to the Game:

• Break Out the Brooms: I can’t remember the last time we swept a series, maybe it was 2006. Well, today is a great chance to get that sweep against a pitcher with double digit losses on the year. The Mets crushed Zito in San Fran in June, let’s hope for the same today.
• Throw Up More Goose Eggs: If anyone hasnt realized, the Giants still haven’t scored in this series. Granted, their lineup isn’t very good, but it is still refreshing to see our pitchers throwing so well lately.

As always, to chat during the game head to The Hot Foot Bleachers

For a lineup, head to LohudMetsblog.

LETS GO METS!

Weather permitting, the Mets will host the Giants in game two of their three game set tonight at Shea. Johan Santana (7-7) will go for the Mets. Opposing him will be lefty Jonathan Sanchez (8-4). Gametime is slated for 7:10 EST, and the game can be seen on SNY and heard on WFAN.

Key to the Game:

• Get Johan Some Runs: Santana’s record of 7-7 isnt good for what we are paying him, but his 2.9 ERA looks like he’s doing the job for us. The offense has fallen asleep when Santana has pitched lately, as their record in Santana’s last six starts indicates (0-6). The offense looks like its finally starting to click as a whole, and they can finally get Johan some well deserved wins.

Notes:

• Sanchez shut down the Mets on June 16th in San Fran. He went 7 innings ,allowing 2 runs and registering 8 strikeouts.
• Sanchez is 5th in the NL with 109 strikeouts

For a lineup, head to LohudMetsblog.

To chat during the game, head to The Hot Foot Bleachers.

ESPN reports that Aaron Rowand has agreed to a $60 million, five-year contract with the San Francisco Giants.

Rowand batted .309 with 27 home runs and career bests of 89 RBIs, 105 runs, 189 hits, 45 doubles in 161 games in 2007.

Bob Elliott of the Toronto Sun reports that the San Francisco Giants and the New York Yankees have discussed left fielder Hideki Matsui for a starter. Matsui does have a complete no-trade clause.

Matsui, 33, went .285 with 25 HRs, 103 RBIs while scoring 100 runs. He currently has $26 million left on his contract over the next two seasons. His deal also includes a no-trade clause.

Update 2:35PM - Peter Abraham of the Journal News has picked this up as well. He notes that Matsui also would become San Francisco’s best power threat with Bonds gone. Abraham suggests a package of SP Noah Lowry and INF Rich Aurilia or Lowry and RP Kevin Correia.

Andrew Baggarly in the San Jose Mercury News reports that the San Francisco Giants are considering a deal that would send young RHP Tim Lincecum to the Toronto Blue Jays for All-Star outfielder Alex Rios.

The Giants have a number of young arms, including Lincecum, Matt Cain, and Noah Lowry but are looking to add some punch to their offense.

Rios is arbitration-eligible, and according to Baggarly’s industry sources it is estimated he would command at least $6 million next season. He could become a $10 million-a-year player even before hitting free agency after the 2010 season if he continues producing at his current pace.

Baggarly writes that some in baseball wonder if the Giants have concerns about Lincecum’s durability because of his slight build and high-effort delivery. 

Gorden Wittenmyer of the Chicago Sun-Times reports that the Cubs are currently the team to beat in the race to sign OF Kosuke Fukudome. The White Sox, Padres, Mariners, Rangers and Giants have reportedly had serious interest in signing him.

The report also has a couple of trade rumors regarding the Cubs. As it stands right now, Mark Prior appears likely to land in his hometown of San Diego if dealt this offseason, though the Reds have also been linked to the 27-year old southpaw.

Also, Wittenmyer notes that the Toronto media have had reports out that suggest the Jays may pursue Cubs closer Ryan Dempster, who is prepping a return to the rotation next year.

MLB.com report Jim Molony reports from the Winter Meetings on his blog, Nashville Confidential.

Molony reports that Cincinnati is interested in Giants RHP Tim Lincecum, however if the Giants insist on Reds outfield prospect Jay Bruce, the Reds will back off.

Bruce, 20, hit a combined .319 with 26 homers and 89 RBIs in 133 games at three Minor League stops in 2007.

There was some rumors earlier this winter that Lincecum was available, this is the first rumor that mentioned his name since. If Lincecum truly was available, I would have to imagine he would draw interest from many more teams along with the Reds.

According to Tracy Ringolsby of the Rocky Mountain News, the San Francisco Giants are looking to move catcher Bengie Molina.

If you recall, Molina and Ramon Hernandez were on the free agent market prior to the 2006 season and were options considered by the Mets as a replacement for Mike Piazza. The Mets ended up trading for Marlins catcher Paul Lo Duca.

Molina, 33, has hit over .275 in the past 5 seasons. He collected 19 home runs in each of the last two seasons, while driving in 81 runs this past season with the San Francisco Giants. Molina is set to earn $6 million in each of the next two seasons.