On Wednesday, Brian Lawrence is set to start a 7:10 game against John Smoltz in the 2nd game of a critical 3-game set against the Mets' long-time division rival Atlanta Braves.  Now, in case you forgot, let me refresh your memory on who pitched for the Mets over the past week and when they pitched:

Wednesday: Ollie Perez (W vs. Brewers)

Thursday: Brian Lawrence (W vs. Brewers)

Friday: Orlando Hernandez (W vs. Cubs)

Saturday: John Maine (L vs. Cubs)

Now, if the Mets series against the Braves were a 3-game set starting Monday, they would have no flexibility whatsoever -- they would have to start Ollie, Lawrence, and El Duque because they'd be the only guys on 4 days rest.  At the same time, if the Mets were playing the Pittsburgh Pirates or some other relatively insignificant opponent, they'd probably still keep the rotation in order.  And I understand that Maine is supposed to be better on 5 days rest because his fastball apparently has more life, but Maine on 4 days rest has to be better than Lawrence under any and all circumstances.  Obviously what I am recommending is starting Ollie Tuesday (as they are), El Duque Wednesday (on 4 days rest after Sat., Sun., Mon. and Tues.), and Maine Thursday in what could be a rubber game (on 4 days rest after Sun., Mon., Tues. and Wed.). 

Willie said earlier in the season that he needed to play everyone in big spots to see what he had in his players (i.e. when Burgos was put into tight situations late in the game in April, that was necessary so that Willie could see if he could depend on him as the season went on).  Well, it's not April and this is not the NL Central anymore.  The Braves destroyed the Mets on July 31st, yet the Mets have hung tough since, and now it's time for a statement series.  The Braves are not the defending NL East Champions -- the Mets are, and until someone else claims that crown, the Mets will keep it.  The Braves are 6-3 against the Mets this season, taking the only series the two teams have played at Shea thus far, and with Smoltz and Hudson going Wednesday and Thursday against Lawrence and El Duque, it looks like this series is headed in the same direction.  It's time for the Mets to buckle down and show the rest of the NL East why the Mets were the only team in the division playing in October last year, and why they'll be back again in 2007.  Willie, I'm imploring you, start John Maine -- stop pandering to your players and do what needs to be done to show the Braves why you don't win pennants on July 31st.

Update: Since Willie clearly reads AAAA, he has recently decided to make the recommended switch.  The matchups will feature Ollie-Carlyle, Hernandez-Smoltz, and Maine-Hudson.  Lets go Mets!