On the Mets beat

Just when you think the Mets' have some unanswered questions in their rotation, check out who the Cardinals are starting on Friday: Braden Looper. Hard to believe, but the Mets' former closer is auditioning for a spot in the rotation of the defending world champions. As for the rest of the weekend, the Mets will face the Dodgers Brad Penny on Saturday and the Orioles' Jaret Wright on Sunday. Guess they'll have to wait for Steve Trachsel.