BASEBALL: Mets at Braves

Call me a homer, but I'm going back-to-back Braves today. Yes, the game should be that good. And it's on TBS so I get to watch too! The mighty New York Mets come down to Turner Field for a big series against the Bravos. While the Mets appear to have an insurmountable lead in the division, this series is still huge for both teams.

For the Braves, their playoff hopes continue to be on the line. They've made a nice July push and have gotten right back into the wildcard race in the wide open NL. However, they just lost 2 of 3 at home to the upstart Marlins. The Braves can't afford to lose another series to a division rival and slowly inch away from a .500 record. Led by hotstreaks from guys like Brian McCann and a resurgent Chipper Jones, the Braves have been using the longball to bury opponents. They have 50 HR's in the month of July and are only 5 away from the team's all-time record for dingers in a month.

For the Mets, tonight's game marks the return of ace Pedro Martinez from the DL. The only knack on this future hall-of-famer has always been that he's brittle. With many miles on his 35 year-old arm, I'll be curious to see how he responds to injury. Beyond Pedro's return, however, the Mets want to send a clear message to their longtime nemisis that this is their year. Records don't matter come October. And if the Braves do sneak into the playoffs, they may be the last team the Mets want to face for a trip to the World Series.

My pick: New York. I'm hoping for a TOTW jinx on this one! But Pedro is a big gamer and I expect him to be sharp. Horacio Ramirez will have to bring his best stuff too and hope the Braves bats can get Martinez and the Mets bullpen as the game goes on.

Today's female athlete hails from nearby Bradenton, Florida and is pretty and rich too. She's 19 year-old Paula Creamer and a rising star on the LPGA Tour.