Week ahead for the Dodgers

Monday through Wednesday: Mets at New York

Thursday through Sunday: Pirates at Dodger Stadium

For a team with a $134-million payroll, the New York Mets offer no shortage of reasons for their .500 record. Let us count the ways: Jason Bay, signed for $66 million, has not hit a home run. David Wright is batting .230, with more errors (four) than home runs (three). Jose Reyes is batting .237. Carlos Beltran is on the disabled list. Gary Matthews Jr. is not, but he is batting .179, with 13 strikeouts in 28 at-bats. The Mets just unveiled a Jewish first baseman, Isaac Benjamin (Ike) Davis, so at least the home crowd can go crazy. And, for all their issues, the Mets have a better record than the Dodgers.