Let's Get Ready To Rumble

Once again, as usual, the words of Doug Mientkiewicz prove all knowing:

"You play somebody that many times, you're bound to have something happen. I think you've seen more guys getting hit, more guys having trouble because of the fact you see somebody so many times. There's a reason probably why marriages fail so much, because you see each other so much."

Round two begins Tuesday, just five days after round one. Joy.

As you know, Vice President Dick Cheney is going to throw out the ceremonial first pitch before Tuesday's game, which is the Nationals home opener. As soon as the pitch hits Jose Guillen, the ceremonial first fight will begin.

On Wednesday, the Nats will send out Tom Niedenfuer to throw out the ceremonial first pitch. On Thursday, it will be Rick Rhoden.

In fact there is such anticipation for this series, Roger Clemens was seen trying to woo Nationals ownership (Bud Selig) into giving him $20 million to pitch for the Nationals for this series only. Which brings about an interesting scenario: Major League Baseball, which owns the Nats, is telling both teams to "just play ball" this week. Now if something happens, is MLB going to have to fine itself?

Guillen meanwhile, is hoping to parlay this series with the Mets into a title bout with Floyd Mayweather. And there is rumor going around that Target has offered Guillen an endorsement deal. Guillen would replace the dog.

Meanwhile, SNY is sponsoring the "Hometown Hit Batsman Inning". If a Mets pitcher starts a brawl in the home half of the sixth, one lucky fan will win a $25 gift certificate to Friendly's, and be automatically entered in a drawing for a trip to Cooperstown, along with a free ticket to the hall of fame's hottest new interactive game, "The Guillermo Mota Spring Training Experience". I for one, can't wait.