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Mets hope to put turbulent offseason behind them in Florida

Apr 1, 2011 - 3:13 PM (Sports Network) - After enduring a turbulent offseason, the New York Mets hope to get their 2011 campaign off to a positive start in tonight's matchup with the Florida Marlins from Sun Life Stadium.

The Mets weren't overly active over the winter months, presumably due to the team's reported financial problems that stem from ownership's involvement with disgraced investor Bernie Madoff. New York's most notable offseason transactions were signing oft-injured pitchers Chris Young and Chris Capuano and adding part-time outfielder Scott Hairston, moves that aren't exactly inspiring a turnaround from last year's 79-83 record and fourth-place finish in the National League East.

"We know and we are aware that the expectations outside the clubhouse are low," pitcher R.A. Dickey told the Mets' official site. "Inside the clubhouse, it's a lot different culture, a lot different environment. And it needs to be."

New York was able to rid itself of two expensive and underachieving veterans during the spring, with second baseman Luis Castillo and starting pitcher Oliver Perez both receiving their unconditional release. The Mets also brought in am experienced new manager in Terry Collins, who's previously piloted the Astros and Angels and has also coached in Japan.

The Mets won't be entering the Collins era at full strength, however. The team's top pitcher, Johan Santana, won't be ready until around the All-Star break after undergoing shoulder surgery in September, while outfielder Jason Bay will begin the year on the disabled list after he strained his ribcage late in spring training.

With Santana on the shelf, Mike Pelfrey takes over as the Mets' ace and will be making his first career Opening Day start tonight. The tall right-hander earned the honor by putting together a strong 2010 season in which he won a personal- best 15 games and posted a solid 3.66 ERA over 34 appearances (33 starts).

Pelfrey wasn't at his best on the road last year, however. He registered a 5-6 record and a mediocre 4.95 ERA in 15 games (14 starts) away from Citi Field, compared to a 10-3 mark and 2.83 ERA at home.

The 27-year-old also hasn't had much success facing the Marlins. In 12 lifetime starts against Florida, Pelfrey is just 1-6 with a 5.32 ERA, and he's 0-2 with a 5.22 ERA in five overall trips to the Sun Life Stadium mound.

In contrast, Marlins ace Josh Johnson has given the Mets plenty of fits over the course of his six-year major league career. The All-Star righty boasts a 7-1 record with a 4.24 ERA over 12 all-time assignments versus New York, though he was winless (0-1) in three 2010 meetings with the Mets.

Johnson is also awfully tough to beat at Sun Life Stadium, where he compiled a 7-3 mark along with a stellar 1.57 ERA in 15 starts a year ago. That performance helped the 27-year-old lead the NL with an overall ERA of 2.30, and he went 11-6 over 28 appearances before being shut down in early September with a sore shoulder.

"When he's on, he's one of the best in the game," Marlins pitching coach Randy St. Claire told the team's website. "Even when he's not on, he's still pretty good."

Johnson is one of several quality young players, along with star shortstop Hanley Ramirez, second-year slugger Mike Stanton, 2009 NL Rookie of the Year Chris Coghlan and pitchers Ricky Nolasco and Anibal Sanchez, that manager Edwin Rodriguez will be counting on to help Florida challenge defending division champion Philadelphia and 2010 playoff participant Atlanta in the NL East. The Marlins had produced back-to-back winning seasons in 2008 and '09, but slipped to an 80-82 record last year.

Florida will have to replace its top home-run hitter and RBI man from a year ago after trading second baseman Dan Uggla to the Braves over the winter. The team did add a proven veteran piece to its young rotation, though, by signing three-time 15-game winner Javier Vazquez.

Johnson, who also started against the Mets on Opening Day of last season, will be getting the call in what's expected to be the final home opener of Sun Life Stadium. The Marlins are slated to move into a brand new ballpark in 2012.

Florida had great success against the Mets at home in 2010, winning all six bouts between the teams held at Sun Life Stadium. The Marlins were victorious in 12 of their 18 overall encounters with New York last season as well.