Diamondbacks at Mets: 5 Players to Watch

May 4, 2014; Boston, MA, USA; New York Mets mascot Mr. Met before the game between the Boston Red Sox and the Oakland Athletics at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports

The final series before the All-Star Break is upon us. The first 84 games of the season certainly flew by, mainly because the Arizona Diamondbacks have played above expectations. At 42-42, the D’backs are in realistic playoff contention, something that could not be said at this time last year. They rank among the leaders in the National League in a few offensive categories including runs scored, hits and stolen bases.  Their opponent in these final three contests are among the league leaders in the opposite side of the ball.

The New York Mets at 44-42 , three games behind the Washington Nationals in the National League East, boast one of the best pitching staffs in all of baseball. They are among the NL leaders in ERA, batting average against and WHIP. Their young rotation is the envy of every organization in the game. The Snakes catch a break this weekend as the latest Met pitcher, Steven Matz, is out for at least three weeks because of a pulled back muscle. It will be the classic case of great hitting meeting great pitching this weekend at Citi Field. These two teams split four games at Chase Field last month. Here are five players to watch as we find out who wins the season series.