BASEBALL: NY Mets at Florida Marlins

Today's entry is submitted by the winner of our 1000th visitor contest, Paul from The Cranky Conservative.

I had no intention of writing about a Mets game. With a tremendous lead in the East, they pretty much will not have a meaningful game until October. But tonight's game features a great pitching matchup: Pedro Martinez vs. Dontrelle Willis in the rubber match of a tense three game series, and that's certainly one to watch.

Pedro came off the disabled list last Friday against the Braves, and after a shaky first inning, he settled down and shut down the Braves over the next five innings. His velocity was a little down, but Petey eased Met fans' worries about his health, at least temporarily. Pedro has had another fine year, though his ERA is slightly high at 3.59, though his WHIP is an outstanding 1.02, and he is striking out over nine per nine innings. He should probably have about four or five more wins, but as was the case last year, the bullpen and a lack of offensive support have cost him a few games.

As for the Marlins, they have been something of a surprise, though not to this author. They have some great young talent, and I thought they might be able to stick around and remain competetive, and indeed they have a legitimate - though perhaps long - shot at the Wild Card. In fact the Marlins have one of the best records in the league since the first week of May. They have a great young staff, led by rookies Josh Johnson (a nice fantasy wire pick for me), Scott Olsen, Anibel Sanchez, and Ricky Nolasco.

But their ace is Dontrelle, who the Marlins wisely decided to keep. Willis has actually had something of a down year. His ERA is a pedestrian 4.27, and his WHIP is 1.47, and he's K'd less than 6 per nine innings - a career low. He's been up and down - good in April and June, poor in May and July. This could be a big start for Dontrelle, who has struggled recently. He has a history of poor performances in the second half, and the Marlins need him to regain his 2005 form if they are going to have any shot at the playoffs.

My pick: Pedro and the Mets win it and take the series, but only after Billy Wagner makes us sweat again in the ninth inning.

Thanks to Jeff for allowing me the space to write here, and I guess thanks to TSL for pointing out that I was indeed the 1,000th visitor. And I guess thanks to Mike for gracing us with his impetuosity.

So will you watch this classic pitching duel, or will you flip to Showtime and catch the odd flick Sky Captain and the World of Tomorrow, which features the lovely lips of Angelina Jolie?



Editor's Note: Mike from Francase Place believed that he was the 1000th visitor. Indeed, I originally made the same mistake too. But apparently Mike still clings to this belief despite overwhelming evidence to the contrary provided by TSL because he submitted an entry too. Coincidentally, he also choose today's Mets-Marlins game. Since Mike was runner-up and my 1001st visitor, I'm going to humor him. So click here for Mike's take on today's TOTW.