Well, we know the Braves will be playing the Pirates….what does the rest of the N.L. East have ahead of them this weekend?

Florida Marlins (8-1) @ Washington Nationals (1-7):

Friday:  Nolasco (1-1) v. Lannan (0-2)

Saturday: Johnson (2-0) v. Olsen (0-2)

Sunday: Volstad (2-0) v. Cabrera (0-1)

New York Mets (4-5) v. Milwaukee Brewers (3-6):

Friday: Hernandez (1-0) v. Bush (0-0)

Saturday: Santana (1-1) v. Gallardo (1-1)

Sunday: Pelfrey (1-0) v. Suppan (0-2)

Philadelphia Phillies (4-4) v. San Diego Padres (7-3):

Friday:  Cole Hamels (0-1) v. Chris Young (2-0)

Saturday: Brett Myers (1-1) v. Shawn Hill (1-0)

Sunday: Chan Ho Park (0-0) v. Walter Silva (0-0) 

Most Interesting Series:  Phillies v. Padres.  The Padres have been one of the early surprises out of the gates allowing more than 5 runs just twice in their first 10 games.  However, 7 games were at pitcher friendly Petco, and the other 3 were at Citi Field which many are predicting will end up a pitcher’s park as well.  Without Peavy going in the series, and with 3 righthanders having to pitch in Philly versus that dangerous and lefty heavy line-up, I don’t expect that trend to continue.  I’m guessing the Phillies post 6+ runs in at least 2/3 games.  The question will be what can Hamels and Park do in particular as both got rocked in their previous outing.  I’m expecting a good start from Myers.  He’s given up 4 runs in each of his start, but he’s already surrendered 6 homeruns.  The Padres are a much lighter hitting team in terms of power. 

Most Interesting Game:  Mets v. Brewers, Saturday.  Santana versus Gallardo has all the makings of a great pitcher’s duel.  Santanta K’d 13 batters in his last start.  Only 4 teams in the N.L. have struck out more times than Brewers hitters this year.  The Brewers have not seen much lefty pitching yet (just 38 AB’s combined), but are batting just .211 in those AB’s.  However, during the 2007 and 2008 years combined, only the Phillies hit more homeruns against lefthanded pitchers. Gallardo is the default ace of the Brewers staff, but he got roughed up in his last outting.  He allowed only 3 hits, but 4 BB’s and 2 homeruns lead to him giving up 7 runs in just 5 innings against the Reds.  Most of the Mets have never seen Gallardo though, so it’ll be interesting to see what happens.

Player to Watch:    Ryan Howard.  3 righties, at home, I think this might be the weekend we see him breakout with some big-time power.  Chris Young’s walked Howard 4/6 career plate appearances.  Howard’s 5/11 with a homer and 2 doubles career vs. Shawn Hill.  He really looks primed for a big weekend, and I’m going to predict a Phillies sweep with Howard leading the way.