Mets Involved in Controversy Before The Game Even Starts

September 11, 2011

8:10 PM ET

Citi Field

TV: ESPN

RADIO: WFAN 660

NEW YORK METS

Starting Pitcher: Miguel Batista (1-0, 2.25 ERA)

Batista has been good in his first two starts with the Mets, but walks have been a concern. He has walked seven in 12 innings. Against the Cubs, he is 2-2 with a 3.22 ERA.

CHICAGO CUBS

Starting Pitcher: Matt Garza (8-10, 3.52 ERA)

The Mets better hope they can knock out Garza early in this game. Garza is 5-1 with a 1.70 ERA in games where he reaches the seventh inning. This will be his first career start against the Mets.

METS LINEUP:

Reyes-SS, Tejada-2B, Duda-RF, Wright-3B, Pagan-CF, Bay-LF, Evans-1B, Paulino-C, Batista-RHP

NOTE:

Major League Baseball released a league-wide policy addressing uniforms for today's games. As a result, the Mets are not allowed to wear FDNY or NYPD hats in tonight's game. So, MLB is willing to essentially exploit the Mets and September 11th on Sunday Night Baseball on ESPN in order to bring in ratings, but the team can't wear first responder hats. Classy.

As of right now, the Mets plan on following MLB's rules. The 2001 Mets told MLB to shove it when the league attempted to ban the hats then as well. This team should do the same.