Are you nervous?

Well, you should be… But at the same time you should be excited as well.

This afternoon, as the Mets close out Shea Stadium with pomp and circumstance, Oliver Perez will take the mound and depending on which Oliver Perez shows up, the Mets may or may not play baseball again beyond today.

Here’s something creepy to think about that was brought to my attention by one of our readers…

If Johan Santana’s masterpiece on the second to last day of the season reminded you of John Maine’s masterpiece on the second to last day of the season last year, try this on for size…

The Mets will be starting a left handed pitcher on the final day of the season who is most likely pitching in his final game as a New York Met, much like Tom Glavine did exactly one year ago.

Everyone understands that there is so much riding on this start, and if you were wondering what Oliver Perez had to say about his crucial start today… mum’s the word.

Perez has avoided talking to any reporters since his last start against the Cubs in which he lasted only 4.1 innings and allowed five earned runs.

Unlike Johan Santana who came right out and practically demanded the Mets use him on three days rest, Oliver Perez did not volunteer to pitch today.

His teammates have some mixed reactions.

Jose Reyes – “We’ll have to see. Let’s see what happens.”

Carlos Beltran – “He can be as good as Johan is. The problem with Ollie sometimes is he gets too emotional and his emotions take control of him.”

David Wright – “Ollie’s been known for being a big-game pitcher so I’m sure he’s going to be up for it.”

Obviously, neither of them are gushing with optimism and confidence. But, let me say that we have seen Oliver Perez in these big spots before, and for the most part he has always shined.

I know I may sound like just another overly exuberant Mets fan, but seriously… Perez does have an excellent history of coming up big in a critical spot.

So far this season, Perez has faced the Marlins five times and has a record of 3-0 with a 2.03 ERA.

I have a firm belief that Perez is going to come out throwing strikes and that he will completely shut down the Florida Marlins this afternoon in front of a packed house at Shea.

There’s still a few more miracles left in this ole’ stadium, and we may just get one today.

So relax… enjoy the game… and have plenty of Alka Seltzer on hand!