Preview/Prediction

Two National League Championship series in two years. Two division titles, but no championship.

Now five-plus years into ownership for the Los Angeles Dodgers, one phrase dominates the nightmares of Frank McCourt's personal life: "What have you done for us lately?"

Picture it: Divorce papers scattered by a whirlwind in the master bedroom, those words written in red all over the walls, and a man meagerly huddled in the corner clutching his knees and a glass of scotch while muttering, "I never should have put a ring on it."

Expert handicapper ESPN rates the Chicago Cubs a 2-1 favorite over the Pirates in PNC Park tonight.

But the Pirates' Charlie Morton can beat the Cubs' Ted Lilly. Because Morton already has. Last year, in Chicago.

It won't be easy, of course. Recent history suggests that Lilly will go about six innings against the Pirates, giving up about three runs, more likely than not for a quality start.

Basically, the Pirates figure to score against him, but not run up the total. He is aged 34, which is to say that he figures to decline with each passing year.

After Tuesday night’s gem against St. Louis, Phillies’ starter Cole Hamels lowered his season ERA to a less than desirable 4.42.

NATS' HISTORIC APRIL

With no game Monday evening, the Washington Nationals (13-12) can look ahead to their upcoming series with the Atlanta Braves (11-14).

While just one game above .500 now, the Nationals went 13-10 in April, posting a winning record in the month for the first time since the franchise moved to Washington.

With star third baseman Ryan Zimmerman returning after missing eight games so far, optimism abounds at Nationals Park.

EAST UP, A-TOWN DOWN

The Rays (18-7) are off to the best start in baseball but begin a tough western road trip this week that sees them travel to Seattle, Oakland, and Anaheim.

They open up with the Mariners (11-13) on Tuesday, who come in having lost three straight after being swept at home by the Rangers.

Every year it seems, a 30-something-year-old player inexplicably locates the fountain of youth. Last year it was Kevin Millwood , though he appears unwilling to revert back to his old ways this season.

I know what you’re thinking.

“All Stars? It’s only the beginning of May!”

Well, believe it or not, All Star voting is well underway. MLB opened the ballots for this year’s game in Anaheim on April 20th, the earliest in the league’s history!

Before you fill out your ballot, let me show you who I think should represent the National League in this summer’s showdown with the American League.

Begin Slideshow

New York Mets (14-11)  at Cincinnati Reds (12-13) 7:10 p.m.

Oliver Perez (0-2 4.35) versus Mike Leake (2-0 3.25)

TV: SNY, Radio: WFAN

What To Watch

It is no surprise that 2010 is a going to be a struggle for the Jays. It is also no surprise that attendance is at an all-time low.

Alex Anthopolous made changes during the offseason that ultimately set the tone for this year, and more than likely the next two as well; rebuilding.

When fans hear the word rebuild, success is years away, and in a city where attendance has struggled to climb the ranks as results of intermediate play, it gives you an idea about where the club's focus is—rekindling the fan's interest with a young, successful product.

Here’s a look at the two-start pitchers for week five.

Five Stars
Ubaldo Jimenez: @SD, @LAD (pictured)
James Shields: @SEA, @OAK