I hope I don’t jinx things, but the Braves current road trip is off to a great start. The team is 4-1 thus far, and the key has been a return of some consistent offense. With Garret Anderson and Brian McCann recently returning from stints on the DL, the offense has averaged 5.6 runs per game on this trip. In partnership with the improved offense, the starting pitchers have all won games on the trip with the exception of Jo-Jo Reyes who hasn’t won in his last 13 starts dating back to June of last year.

Now the Braves make their first trip to Citi Field to take on the first place Mets. They face a tough test in game one against Johan Santana (4-1, 0.91 ERA) who is off to a ridiculous start even by his standards. The Braves counter with Derek Lowe (4-1, 3.98 ERA) who is coming off a poor start in which the offense bailed him out. Game two looks to be more in the Braves favor with Jair Jurrjens (3-2, 2.01 ERA) facing Mike Pelfrey (4-0, 5.46 ERA). Look for some fireworks Wednesday as the aforementioned Jo-Jo Reyes (0-2, 5.48 ERA) faces Jon Niese (0-0, 3.00 ERA).

The Braves have to get one win in New York to clinch a winning road trip, but the Braves could be without Chipper Jones who hyper-extended his elbow while swinging the bat Sunday and had to leave the game. The Braves certainly can’t afford to be without the Met killer for the whole series.

On a lighter note, apparently there are a large number of Mets fans who want to keep calling the new stadium “Shea.” I have an idea that should sooth everyone. Take the “Sh” from Shea and the “iti” from Citi and combine the two. It’s a better description of the neighborhood and would go well in Flushing.