While I’d rank his chances of winning somewhere between the campaigns of Pat Paulsen and Tommy Carcetti, the New York Daily News’ Adam Rubin reports the Mets are seriously advocating closer Billy Wagner as a Cy Young Award candidate. From the Mets’ press release.

œSaves are a just a number, said Mets Manager Willie Randolph. œI™ve used him so many times to nail down an important win for us in non-save situations. He™s given our bullpen a sense of completeness that we didn™t have last year.

Funny Willie mentions that, because I’m pretty sure the Cardinals are touting Braden Looper for the Nobel Prize in Literature.

With the Mets’ magic number for clinching the NL East at one, Pedro Martinez has been activated and shall start tonight against Pittsburgh. Pirates OF Jeromy Buritz is hitless for the month of September, though he’s been witless for far longer.

Death Wish’s line so far today at Wrigley : 8 IP, 4 hits, no earned runs, 3 walks, 7K’s. The Reds lead the Cubs, 4-0 in the top of the 9th, with David Ross having touched up Carlos Marmol with a 4th inning, 3-run homer.