Mets 68% - The Mets tend to field different lineups every game, so if they happen to send out a weaker one, this number should be a bit lower. But assuming they send out a relatively strong one, they will have a huge edge over Washington. Glavine is not likely to be anywhere near his early-season self from here on in, but he is still a capable starter who knows how to win games. Traber, on the other hand, has questionable big-league ability. He was very mediocre in the minors this year, and this quote from Washington manager Frank Robinson says it all:

"It's not coming down to who is pitching good. It comes down to what you have down there," manager Frank Robinson said of Traber's promotion. "There isn't much left."

With a big edge in all areas of this game, the Mets rate a great edge overall.


Atlanta 65% - A solid and steady veteran starter for Atlanta, combined with a modest offense and a shaky bullpen for Milwaukee, adds up to a major edge overall for Atlanta. Smoltz is very likely to have a quality start. Capuano has been shaky since the All-Star break, and that shakiness should continue here. With Baez and Wickman, Atlanta now has a capable tandem to preserve small late-inning leads, which they are likely to have here. In the event that Milwaukee has a late-inning lead, Atlanta will have a very real chance of coming back.


Minnesota 56% - Regardless of the quality of Garza's debut, Minnesota is due for an offensive outburst here. After getting shut out in their last game, facing Burnett who has problems on the road puts them in a promising statistical spot. Garza's likely performance is statistically uncertain, but based on research and anecdotal evidence, he seems likely to have at least a decent first start, which will put Minnesota in a very good position given their strong bullpen and likely good day at the plate.


Colorado 55% - This game is likely to be a close, low-scoring affair, with each starter matching the other inning for inning. Other than that, the game rates roughly even in lineups and bullpens as well, giving Colorado only a modest edge overall.


Arizona 56% - Hernandez has always been less affected by coming off of games with high pitch counts than most other starting pitchers, so his last game at 120 pitches doesn't matter nearly as much for him as it would normally for others. He has been effective of late, and will likely have a quality final two months of the season for Arizona. Florida is trying to turn their fortunes around, but a cross-country flight after a night game puts them at a disadvantage against Arizona, which had a day off yesterday. Rookie Josh Johnson has been having problems with control and command recently, and he will be shaky for this start. He is a good pitcher, and he could have a strong start, but he is probably wearing down physically, and he is likely to have those same problems again in this game.