The real question now is whether the Mets can win this thing by 20 games. And just when was the last time anybody won a division by 20 games?
OK, how about in the National League?
The Mets won yesterday thanks to: a) a tie-breaking home run from Michael Tucker; b) an outstanding defensive play from Carlos Delgado. In other news, MEN FROM MARS HAVE LANDED.
The Nats made three errors, and Ryan Zimmerman ran into a double play when he lost track of how many were out. Afterwards, that mellow old man who manages the Nats ripped catcher Brian Schneider for calling the pitch that Tucker hit out. Schneider shrugged that off - Frank may be 70 years old, but he'll still kick your ass - but when asked about his own throwing error that led to the tying run, he responded by cursing and yelling and knocking over chairs.
The St Louis Cardinals, having lost 14 of their last 20 games, have stumbled into a pennant race. The Reds haven't been playing all that well, but they find themselves just 1.5 games back. You've probably figured out that the Cardinals have pitching issues - they did stick Jeff Weaver right into their rotation, and they're also taking a look at Jorge Sosa. Meanwhile, the Reds are getting heroic relief efforts from the likes of Chris Michalak. They have also shrewdly determined that just because a pitcher is struggling in the Higher League doesn't mean he can't help you in the Senior Circuit. Welcome aboard, Mr Guardado... Mr Lohse...
Greg Maddux and Jason Schmidt locked up in a fabulous pitcher's duel last night. Maddux gave up two singles over eight innings, and faced just one batter over the minimum. This was because after allowing singles to two of the first three batters, he speared Bonds' line drive back through the box and converted it into an inning-ending double play. He then retired the next 21 hitters, just as if it were 1994 or something. He needed just 68 pitches to get this remarkable work done.
Schmidt wasn't quite as efficient, but he scattered five hits and fanned nine over his eight scoreless innings. The bullpens took over after that. Shea Hillenbrand ended the Giants' half of the 10th, and completed his own 0-4 day, with a flyout with Bonds on first. In the bottom of the inning, Russell Martin hit Vinnie Chulk's second pitch into the seats for a walk-off homer, and the Dodgers maintained their 1.5 game lead on San Diego.
No!
Vinnie!
By the way, Julio Lugo was playing right field for the Dodgers.
Is Albert Pujols still the NL MVP? Does he still win it, merits notwithstanding, if the Cardinals blow the NL Central?
On the AL agenda for the week ahead:
Detroit comes into Fenway for three games with the Red Sox. The Yankees have one last game with the Angels and then host the Orioles for three. They then open a three game in Boston on Friday afternoon. It will probably attract some attention.
The Tigers will be hosting Texas after they get out of Fenway. Meanwhile, the White Sox play host to the Royals before visiting the Twins.
Oakland and the Angels both have the Mariners on their schedule this week. The Angels will be going deep into the heart of Texas after the Monday game with the Yankees, before going home to face Seattle. Oakland has a visit to Kansas City planned after their series with the Mariners..