BASEBALL: Cincinnati Reds at New York Mets

Today's a great day to remember the world does not revolve around sports. Watch a rerun of CSI, visit with family, or (if you don't have little kids) go out on a date and really make me jealous! While there's some great stuff tomorrow like USA Soccer and some dude named Roger Clemens, not much interests me today. I haven't gotten too psyched on the College World Series yet. And while the World Cup features 4 quality games, my only rooting interest is to see that Iran loses and goes home to face Ahmadinajad's wrath. Go Angola!

So today's one to watch will be the Mets and Reds in ESPN's Wednesday Night Game of the Week. Much to the delight of two particular friends and readers, the 2006 Mets are stacked. They're finally on their way to dethrowning the 11 time NL East Champion Atlanta Braves. GM Omar Minaya has assembled a team of free agent stars such as Pedro Martinez and Carlos Beltran, alongside homegrown talent like David Wright and Jose Reyes. In all aspects of the game, everything has clicked for the Mets. They sit 44-26 with a 9.5 game lead over the second place Phills.

Only the back end of their starting rotation should give Mets fans any cause for concern. While Martinez and Tom Glavine are aging, both have enjoyed renaissances. However, beyond those former Cy Young winners, spots 3-5 of New York's rotation are shaky. This provides added interest in tonight's game. The Mets start Cuban stud Alay Soler whom I've yet to see pitch. The righty is 2-1 with a nice 3.00 ERA since taking over the 4th spot following a rash of early season injuries.

On the other hand, the Reds are off to a solid 38-33 start considering their tiny payroll. I didn't see it coming when I scouted them back in spring training. Yet Ken Griffey has stayed reasonably healthy and the Reds hope to finish above .500 for the first time since 2000. But apart from surprise star Bronson Arroyo, their pitching is very weak. Tonight's game will see newly-signed Royals reject Joe Mays take the hill with an 0-4 record and eye-popping 8.22 ERA. Hey, Cincy, can me and my 75 mph throws get a tryout too?

My pick: The Mets. The Reds are fading and this is the type of game that good teams routinely win over the course of a long season. Maybe Adam Dunn can go yard and hit the big apple in right field to keep it interesting.

So that's what I'll be watching today - Are the Mets indeed a championship caliber team or will my initial test of the jinx of TOTW prove to be successful? (I'm kidding, of course!)






Who will you be watching? Alay Soler as the Mets new 4th starter? Or do you miss Kris and Anna Benson? Or should we just leave it at Anna Benson?