PHILADELPHIA — The Mets open a key early-season series here tonight against the Phillies fully expecting to play with fire and intensity after a sluggish 9-12 start. They also admit that they need to start playing that way against everyone, not just their biggest rivals. Colleague Joel Sherman writes that, while the talent gap between the Mets and Phillies is negligible, Philadelphia has the decided edge in confidence.

In the notes, the ailing infield duo of Carlos Delgado and Luis Castilloeach remains a gametime decision for tonight’s opener at Citizens Bank Park.