If there is one pitcher that lefty Jon Niese is compared to it is Andy Pettitte. They both are lefty. They both throw a cutter. And the Mets hope that Niese has half the career that Pettitte has had.

Let's be clear: Niese is not even close to Pettitte's level yet, but Niese has some fine-makeup for what could be a long, successful career. He enters Friday night's Subway Series opener at 4-3 with a 3.82 ERA. Pettitte is 3-2 with a 2.77 ERA.

The only guy that figures to be in the Mets' starting lineup with a history against Pettitte are David Wright, and, if Terry Collins chooses, Scott Hairston. Wright and Hairston have had a lot of success against Pettitte. Wright, in 24-at-bats, has hit .458 with two homers and three RBIs. Hairston is 6-for-15 (.400), half of his hits have been doubles.

For the Yankees, they don't have anyone with a significant number of at-bats against Niese, except for Raul Ibanez and he only has 16 (.250 with a homer).

UP NOW: My column on Alex Rodriguez and his idol Keith Hernandez. Wally Matthews on how R.A. Dickey could have been a Yankee.

ON DECK: Mark Simon and Katie Sharp will have "Double Play" at 10:30 and we will have all the news that is fit to blog all day.

IN THE HOLE: Wally, Ian O'Connor, Adam Rubin and I will be in Flushing tonight.

QUESTION OF THE DAY: Which ballpark is better to watch a game? Citi Field or Yankee Stadium?