Against the ropes

No, this isn't about a bad Meg Ryan film depicting the life of North American boxing promoter Jackie Kallen.

And while this may seem in response to Dan's questions about my feeling at this time, this was something I was thinking about on my own, thank you very much.

With Pedro battling through five innings and more than anything, giving his team a lift like no other in a sloppy 9-6 win over the no-account Florida Marlins, the stage has been set.

Regardless of what the Philthy Phillies have done or will do, this has always been about the Mets collasping down the stretch. Yes, those redheaded children from another mother have won eight straight from the guys in Brooklyn Dodgers Blue and New York Giants Orange.

But this has always been about the boys on the field and the fact they're not performing. I'm not repeating anything anyone else has already said about the subject. The past is the past and let's keep it there, but extract one thing for my final point.

Willie Randolph made a lot of sense when he said the champagne will taste that much sweeter after they get through this. They'll only get through it with better starting pitching and that's why (Drum roll please)

These next two starts for Oliver Perez and John Maine are not only the most important starts of the season, but they're also important for the future of the franchise.

Let that sink in a moment.

What I mean is this: Both Perez and Maine are young starters who were thrust into a primary role last year and were servicable. They've pitched well this year, exceptional to start the year and fading slightly as the season wears on and the innings stack up.

Yes, John Maine has an ERA over 6 since the All-Star break and Oliver can be as frustrating as he is dazzling. However numbers don't lie.

Perez went into today's start with a 14-9 record, 3.43 ERA and 162 strikeouts in 165 innings and only 77 walks, which is huge for someone who everyone talks about BBs being his big flaw.

Maine goes into tomorrow's start with a 14-10 record, a 4.04 ERA and 158 Ks in 178 innings. He's also made 30 starts this year, which is 4 more than he's had in his career.

Both are 26 years old and both can, could and should be a big part of the team's future. But if they get bombed and lose this weekend or next week when they face Florida or St. Louis at Shea, the fans, media and management might look in a different direction.

While everyone thinks about who will start in the post season rotation this year, I'm more concerned about next year's staff. We need bullpen help and I would love for Omar Minaya to put on a full search and spend top dollar because he's confident Perez, Maine, Pedro and Mike Pelfry can hold the fort in 08 with three of the four fixed for beyond.

As I write, Perez has given up one run through five innings with six strikeouts and no walks. While David Wright is playing his way out of an MVP award (another error, his 21st of the year), Perez is pitching his way into the postseason rotation and hopefully beyond...