The New York Mets picked up starting pitcher Johan Santana from the Minnesota Twins and everyone and their mother decided to declare them National League champs. If you we’re thinking of betting them to win the NL, your time has passed.

Before the Santana trade, the Mets were 4-1 to win the National League Pennant. Even though I think that was a bit high, it was still a decent price for the Mets. However, after the Santana trade (as of now), the Mets are a gross 5-2 (2.5-1). No thanks.

Ok, maybe this should have been titled “why the Cardinals should lose.” First, the Cardinals are barely a .500 team. Honestly, they are lucky to be in a series tied 2-2. Today, that magic ends. The rains came down and gave Mr. Glavine another day of rest. On 3 days rest, the Cardinals had more than a legitimate shot to get to him. However, he’s now rested another day and should pitch well.

Yesterday, the Mets lost a heartbreaker to the Florida Marlins. Today, the Mets were determined to get out of the gate fast—and that’s what they did. The Mets scored 4 runs in the top of the 1st inning and never had to look back. They added another in the 2nd and 3rd. The Marlins made it interesting by scoring 2 in the 6th and 2 in the 7th, but they fell just short. The Mets won 6-5.

Tonight’s game against the Florida Marlins was almost in hand for the New York Mets—almost. The game was a back and forth affair. The Mets scored 3 in the third to take a 4-1 lead, but the Marlins scored 3 in the bottom of the 4th to tie things up. In the top of the 7th, the Mets got the go ahead run (5-4).

The New York Mets and Cincinnati Reds played extra innings today. The game was all tied 2-2 going into the 10th inning. Endy Chavez hit a crucial double in the Met’s half of the 10th giving the Mets a 4-2 lead. In the bottom of the inning, Billy Wager mowed down the Reds and closed the door.

Today, Pedro Martinez returned to Boston to pitch against the Red Sox. He was greeted well—the fans still respect him. However, the Red Sox were lying in wait for the former hurler. They got to him hard and early. It was anything but a typical Pedro Martinez outing. In fact, it was really a disgusting performance. Pedro’s performance would have been terrible for any regular pitcher in the MLB, but the fact that this is Pedro Martinez makes it even worse.

Tonight, the Mets and D-backs go at it for the second time in this series. The Mets are sending veteran Steven Trachsel to the mound to face Miguel Batista of the D-backs. The D-backs are a very slight favorite in this one and the under/over is 10. Last night the game was all about the Mets who scored 7 runs. The D-backs scored one lone run and were nowhere to be found. Hernandez was the winner for the Mets and Vargas got the loss for the D-backs.

Last night Tom Glavine’s performance was anything but acceptable. Still, it was enough to get him the victory thanks in large part to the Mets’ offense, which rattled off 9 runs in a 9-7 victory over the LA Dodgers. Glavine was expected to go about 7 innings and give up 3 runs like normal, but last night the Dodgers had other plans. He ended up pitching 5 innings and giving up 6 runs including 3 walks and 7 hits.

Today, the Mets and Dodgers go at it for the third time in the series. The series is tied 1-1 after yesterday’s impressive win by the Dodgers, which included a save be Eric Gagne. The Mets are a slight favorite today at -112 as they send Tom Glavine to the mound. The Dodgers, +102, counter with Odalis Perez. It should be a great match up.