THE METS HAVE A SHOT

In Walt We Trust sums up the NL's chances in the World Series as such:

“I have no doubt that whoever represents the National League in the Fall Classic will be taken out quicker than a bowlegged asthmatic kid in a grade school dodgeball match.”

What about the Mets? Only Minnesota, Oakland and San Diego have allowed less runs. Only the White Sox, Yanks, Indians and Phils have scored more. They have a run differential of +134, topped only by the Tigers and Yanks. Their starters don’t look that great, but they can thump, their defense is incredible and their bullpen is awesome. And don’t forget the El Duque factor.

The AL is the dominant league. But I give the Mets a chance, assuming Pedro is healthy.

Technorati tags: World Series / Pennant Races / MLB / Mets

REDS CATCH REDBIRDS

And so the Cubs season actually starts today. They have a chance to put some hurt on the Cardinals and ruin their playoff chances. It's not as if they have anything else to play for.

With a Reds win and a Cards loss last night, they are tied for first in the NL Central.

Whose lineup would you rather have? I'll take the Reds.

But while the Reds began a 10-game road trip, the Cards are at home for series against the Cubs, Florida and Pittsburgh. The Reds continue on in San Fran and the go to LA and San Diego.

The Cards have Rolen, Edmonds and Albert, but not much else. And after Carpenter their rotation is Cub-like.

It's hard to see one of these teams getting hot enough to win 90 games. Making it ever more the shame that the Cubs never got it together this year.

Technorati tags: Cubs Cardinals Reds Pennant+Race