BASEBALL: Astros vs. Marlins

For the first day following the All-Star Break, I'm recommending this classic that involves 2 teams with losing records. However, I think the pitching matchup warrants some attenion as Florida's Dontrelle Willis will take the mound against Houston's Roy Oswalt. These two aces are the focus of many questions about the remainder of the season. Houston has underachieved so far. If they are to defend their NL Championship, it'll be up to Oswalt's right arm to anchor a pitching staff that doesn't get much run-support from an aging Astros' lineup. Of course, some dude named Roger Clemens might also help. But it is Oswalt, a back-to-back 20 game winner and the 2005 NLCS MVP, who remains their stopper and ultimate key to success.

On the other hand, the Marlins are one of a select few teams in MLB history to overachieve with a record that is 10 games under .500. Joe Girardi has admirably managed a team of rookies with a meager $15 million payroll. The Yankees alone have 6 players who make more than Florida's entire roster. In fact, coming into the season ace Dontrelle Willis was one of only two proven big leaguers on the whole squad. I hope the Dontrelle stays in South Florida and remains a link to their fun 2003 World Series team. But the contenders are knocking at the Marlins' door hoping to land Willis for a playoff run. The Mets seem to have a pipeline to Florida's castoffs and a package of Lastings Millege and Aaron Heilman just might be enough to take the D-Train to New York City.

My pick: Houston. I picked the Astros to repeat as NL Champs and they begin their playoff push tonight. Houston had an en fuego second half in 2005 and I expect them to do it again with recent additions Clemens and slugger Aubrey Huff.



So that's what I'll be watching. Who will you be watching? Dontrelle Willis? Or maybe a movie with the former Mrs. Bruce Willis ?