Good Luck, Mets

Game 7. Mets vs. Cardinals. NLCS. Winner goes to the World Series. Loser goes home.

A perfect time to rely on a pitcher playing in his first postseason following a 3-13 regular season with a 6.55 ERA. Right? Sure, Oliver Perez (shown above) was a potential star in 2004, when he struck out 239 batters, but since then he's had ERA's consistently over 5.85 during seasons with the Pirates and Mets. And he's only been on the Mets for 2 1/2 months to begin with.

Before Mets fans get all upset and point to his last postseason start (also his first appearance in the postseason in his six-year career), let's take a step back and look at reality. I know fans tend to idealize their own, which is okay by me. But Perez boasts a 1-0 record with a 7.94 ERA this postseason thanks to a 5.2 inning, 9 H, 5 ER performance in Game 4 of this LCS. The power lefthander only struck out three while allowing three homers in the game. Sorry to say -- not Game 7 material.

As a safety net, Willy Randolph will turn to long-man Darren Oliver, who pitched well during the regular season (4-1, 3.44 ERA, 81 IP, 70 H) but did not make a single start. Not to mention the fact that he's 36 going on 60 and is far from a power pitcher, striking out only 60 in his 81 innings. Last time we looked, teams prefer power pitching out of the bullpen in tight spots during the postseason. They're more effective and take away the threat of game-tying rallies thanks to their ability to strike out opponents. (I know, I know, Mets fans -- Billy Wagner. I know.) That's why Oliver isn't exactly the best replacement should Perez falter. Can't wait to see the veteran lefty float a changeup high in the zone to Albert Pujols. It'll be like hitting a beach ball for the big first baseman.

The good news is that it's Game 7, where anything can happen and nobody is unavailable, save for Game 6 starters. The bad news is that Perez, Oliver and the Mets are facing Jeff Suppan, who aside from hitting a homer in Game 3, three-hit the team through eight scoreless innings.

Those munching sounds you hear are Mets fans chomping away at their nails. Should be a fun Game 7.