METS HOST CUBBIES IN 4 GAME SET

METS VS CUBS

Kevin Foster vs Dave Mlicki

7:05 pm Shea Stadium

Friday, Apr 18 1997

by Larry Abraham

Dave Mlicki (2-0, 1.13 era) will duel against Kevin Foster (1-1, 3.10 era) Friday, Apr 18th. The last time Mlicki took the field he pitched a no-hitter against the San Francisco Giants. Mlicki isn't focused on that anymore, just ready to look ahead he said in a press conference. "I'm ready to get on with the season, we; as a team, have to come out and play like we have been playing. I'm not going to change anything, it's been working; I have been doing alot of strength conditioning this offseason and its paid dividends"

Fans will no doubt remember, and he is sure to get a standing ovation when he takes the field. Mlicki will have to go head to head against power threat Sammy Sosa (.333 avg, 3 hr 11 rbi). Aside from Sosa, their isnt alot that can hurt you. "I told him just be agressive, dont be afraid of anyone- attack, attack, attack" Graham said, he goes on with a piece of advice for Mlicki and the rest of his staff: "Be like an animal out there- fear no one, if you hit someone with a pitch smile and taunt them, make them afraid"

The Mets are off to one of the best starts in baseball, but the team isn't impressed. Brian McRae, whose home run numbers are drastically up from what they normally are, said he credits strength and conditioning coaches, but said the team doesnt care about records or stats right now. "Look...it's nice we're winning, but that doesnt mean [expletive deleted] if we bog down and blow the division or get swept, it's world series or bust for us". "We have an off day before the game, we're just gonna use it to rest some of our guys" Graham said.

Graham likes to switch the lineup around from time to time, but their are two mainstays he refuses to bobble around as long as they keep playing like they do, John Olerud (.340 avg, 3 hr 5 rbi) and Todd Hundley (.308 avg, 2 hr 5 rbi). "I love those guys at 3 and 4 in the lineup. Olerud has been drawing alot of walks, and thats fine with me, because I know they'll pay for it. With Gilkey and Huskey on deck after that- there really isnt escaping. One way or another.....we're gonna get ya"

That has been the theme of this team, numbers coming from across the board, no one player is exceptional, but everyone produces. "I've seen it happen a few times already, pitchers getting comfortable after the 3-4-5. I just smile in the dugout, because I know anyone of the people in this lineup can produce." Graham stated. "The players make my job very easy. If I have a good stealer on I'll tell him to hold, let the guys do what they get paid to do- drive in runs, and it's working so far"

The Mets are a perfect 5-0 at home. The Chicago Cubs road record is a dismal 2-4.

Will we see a repeat of Mlicki's dominating start last time out? Will the Mets continue perfection at home? Or will the Cubs come in and pull out a series upset.

We'll find out soon enough.