MLB Predictions: San Diego Padres vs. New York Mets: August 9th 2009

San Diego Padres vs. New York Mets
Free Pick: New York Mets -1.5 (115)
Sun August 9th 2009 4:05p
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The San Diego Padres have taken the first three games of this four-game series vs. the New York Mets, but we look for the Mets to salvage the final game behind their ace Johan Santana.

Even in what may be an off year, most pitchers would be very happy to be 12-8 with a 3.10 ERA and a 1.21 WHIP, which is where Santana stands after 145 innings this year. Expect to see the vintage Santana today though, as the Padres are batting a disgusting .197 vs. left-handed pitching here at home this season, and Santana has already dominated them twice in two starts since coming to the Mets last season, allowing three runs in 13 innings.

The Padres counter with Tim Stauffer, and while he has looked good in five starts this year, he is coming off of his roughest outing in his last start vs. the Atlanta Braves where he allowed 10 baserunners in five innings. Stauffer has been a disappointment since being a first-round draft pick way back when, and we feel his last start should begin his descent back to mediocrity.

Finally, are the Padres really good enough to sweep a four-game series against anyone? We think not and will take our chances with the Mets and one of the best pitchers in the league on the Run Line today.

MLB Free Pick: Mets -1.5 (+115)