This weekend's series between the Braves and Mets at Turner Field won't determine who is going to win the National League East. But veteran pitcher Tom Glavine has been part of enough tight division races to understand there is some importance to an early-season series against a division rival.

"There's always some psychological benefit to having the advantage in a [season] series regardless of what time of year it is," said Glavine, who spent the past five seasons with the Mets before rejoining the Braves in November. "Obviously certain times are more important than others."

When the Braves took four of the first six games they played against the Mets last year, they gained some confidence. But over the course of the months that followed they fell victim to some costly injuries and endured a second consecutive third-place finish in the NL East.

"I think there's a difference between our team from last year and this year," Braves right fielder Jeff Francoeur said. "It would be nice to make a statement this weekend by winning two out of three."

One difference that provides the Braves some confidence this year is the strength they have at the front end of their starting rotation. During this weekend's series, the Mets will be facing Tim Hudson, John Smoltz and Glavine.

The Braves' offense will be going up against John Maine, Mike Pelfrey and Johan Santana, who will be opposed by Smoltz in a much-anticipated Sunday afternoon showdown.

"We get to see all three -- Hudson, Glavine, Smoltz," Mets right fielder Ryan Church said after Wednesday night's series finale against the Marlins. "I'm glad I got my three [hits] here [in Florida]."

While Braves manager Bobby Cox has never allowed himself to put greater importance on any specific series, Mets manager Willie Randolph understands his team could gain some confidence if they are able to win this weekend's series in Atlanta.

"The Braves are always a true test," Randolph said. "It's good to play them early. It's good to bump head with them early in the season. Let's see what we've got. Why not start early? I think it can raise you level of play if you play good teams early."

Less than a full week into the season, the injury bug has already visited both of these teams. A hamstring injury will keep Pedro Martinez out of the Mets' rotation for four to six weeks.

As for the Braves, they will once again might be without Mike Hampton, who was scratched from Thursday night's start because of a strained left pectoral muscle and will be placed on the disabled list.

Still, Glavine believes both teams could be fighting down the stretch for a division title, and if they end up being separated by a game or two, there will be reason to look back on every game they played against each other this season.

Even the ones contested during the season's first weekend.

"Every game you play in your division is important," Glavine said.

Pitching matchup
ATL: RHP Tim Hudson (0-0, 2.57 ERA)
Hudson surrendered two first-inning runs in Sunday's Opening Day start against the Nationals and then ended his seven-inning outing by retiring 19 consecutive batters. He was 2-2 with a 3.33 ERA in four starts against the Mets last year.

NYM: RHP John Maine (0-0, -.-- ERA)
For much of last season, the Mets needed Maine to be their ace -- and he filled that role as best he could. This year, the Mets simply need him to be a rock, and he's shown no reason why he can't fill that role even better.

Tidbits
The Braves won eight of the first 12 games in this season series last year and then saw the Mets claim wins in five of the final six contests. ... Braves leadoff hitter Kelly Johnson missed the final two games of this week's Pirates series with discomfort in his right knee. ... Francoeur has played in a National League-best 330 consecutive games, dating back to Oct. 1, 2005. ... Chipper Jones is 13 homers shy of 400 for his career. The 38 homers he's hit against the Mets stand as the highest total against any opponent.

Tickets
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On the Internet
 MLB.TV
 Gameday Audio
•  Gameday
•  Official game notes

On television
• Peachtree TV

On radio
• WGST 640

Up next
• Saturday: Braves (Tom Glavine, 0-0, 1.80) vs. Mets (Mike Pelfrey, 0-0, -.--), 3:55 p.m. ET
• Sunday: Braves (John Smoltz, 0-0, -.--) vs. Mets (Johan Santana, 1-0, 2.57), 1:30 p.m. ET
• Monday: Braves (Jair Jurrjens, 1-0, 3.38) at Rockies (Aaron Cook, 0-1, 6.00), 8:35 p.m. ET