Last winter, the Yankees got Randy Johnson to be their stud, big-game pitcher and the Mets signed Pedro Martinez to be their star attraction. At this stage, Martinez has lived up to the billing. Every time he takes the mound it is an event, in large part because of his natural showbiz charm. I think Johnson will eventually pitch much better than he has, but the fact is he couldn’t hold a 4-0 first inning lead last night.

Pedro hasn’t been dominant in his last couple of outings but you have to figure he’d hold a four run lead against this Yankee line up in a National League park. Bernie and Farnsworth are unavailable today. Kevin Reese is getting the start. Believe that. How fired up is Pedro? On National TV. He’ll bring the drama, baby.

Mussina has been the Yankees’ best pitcher this year by far. He’s far less emotional than Pedro but he’s a tremendous pitcher on a hot streak. With Aaron Small–whose golden goose has likely turned back into a pumpkin already–going tomorrow night against Glavine, today is key for the Bombers. They’ve had more than reasonable success against Martinez over the years. But you gotta like the Mets bullpen right now. Tough game. Just got to hope they keep it together with the leather and that Moose can give them 7-8 innings. They’ll get some runs.