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Mets-Rockies Preview

Apr 14, 2010 - 6:23 AM By NICOLINO DIBENEDETTO STATS Writer

New York (2-5) at Colorado (4-3), 8:40 p.m. EDT

The New York Mets' rotation was one of the their biggest concerns entering 2010. So far, it hasn't alleviated any of those worries, and now young Jonathon Niese will try to prevent the Mets from their worst start in 18 years.

The Mets will rely on Niese to help them snap a three-game losing streak as they face the Colorado Rockies in the middle game of this series Wednesday night.

New York (2-5) failed to land one of a number of starting pitchers available via free agency during the offseason, entering this year with major questions about the depth of the rotation beyond ace Johan Santana.

The Mets, whose starters ranked 12th in the NL with a 4.77 ERA in 2009, have seen their starters post a 6.63 ERA in the early going.

John Maine, No. 2 behind Santana, turned in worst start yet Tuesday night, getting tagged for eight runs and seven hits with three walks in three innings of an 11-3 loss at Colorado (4-3).

"It's a struggle when you get down that many runs that early," manager Jerry Manuel said while stating he didn't think Maine's struggles were physical.

It'll now be up to Niese (0-1, 4.50 ERA) to help the Mets avoid their first 2-6 start since 1992.

The 23-year-old left-hander may be finding himself in a much more prominent role for New York with Maine sputtering and two other veterans trying to rebound from rough seasons.

Niese did his part Thursday, allowing three runs in six innings of a 3-1 loss to Florida.

"The hitters' job is to produce runs," Niese told the Mets' official Web site. "The pitcher's job is not to produce runs."

Niese saw similar results in his only start against Colorado on July 30, giving up four runs and in 6 1-3 innings of a 4-2 home defeat.

Playing at Coors Field may not be ideal, either. The Mets have dropped 10 of 14 there behind a 7.79 ERA from the rotation.

The Rockies, 3-1 at home, will turn to Aaron Cook (0-1, 6.75), who was roughed up in his season debut. The right-hander allowed five runs and seven hits with five strikeouts in 5 1-3 innings of last Wednesday's 5-4 loss at Milwaukee.

"They made me pay for some mistakes I made and unfortunately I wasn't able to keep the team in the game," Cook said.

He's 3-1 with a 2.82 ERA in seven starts against the Mets. However, he hasn't faced them since allowing one run in six innings while not getting a decision in a 2-1 loss at New York on July 11, 2008.

Colorado might be without Brad Hawpe, who left Tuesday's victory with tightness in his left quadriceps after hitting a two-run double in the first. He was replaced by Ryan Spilborghs in right field the following inning.

Hawpe, who is considered day-to-day, is 6 for 12 with three doubles, two homers and four RBIs in four home games this season.

David Wright has been one of the few bright spots for the Mets, collecting seven hits - two of them homers - and four RBIs through seven games. The third baseman owns a .405 average with seven homers and 27 RBIs in 22 games in Denver, but is 3 for 20 against Cook.