Five interleague matchups to watch this weekend
Article By cbahr.tsn on 11th June, 2010
The second round of interleague play begins this afternoon when the Cubs host the White Sox in a series that certainly lacks some luster compared to previous seasons. Much of the intrigue will center around which veterans each team will try to deal before the July 31 nonwaiver trading deadline.
You can make a case that Cubs-White Sox actually is the least appealing matchup of the weekend. The only other interleague series that pits two sub-.500 teams (Nationals-Indians) will involve rookie phenom Stephen Strasburg.
Despite a couple of clunkers, however, there are some appealing pairings. A look at this weekend's five interleague matchups between teams at .500 or better:
Ben Francisco figures to see time at DH. Phillies at Red Sox
Boston won two of three at Philadelphia during the first round of interleague play last month and leads the series 16-5 since 2004. As usual, both teams are in playoff contention this season, though neither would be in the postseason if the regular season ended today.
DH matters: With the DH in play at Fenway Park, Ben Francisco figures to benefit the most. Greg Dobbs, Ross Gload and Wilson Valdez also could get more playing time if the Phillies use the DH to rest Ryan Howard and Chase Utley.
Matchup to watch: Daisuke Matsuzaka vs. the Phillies' hitters (Saturday). Philadelphia's offense, which still isn't up to par, nearly hit rock bottom when Dice-K held them without a hit for 7 2/3 innings on May 22 at Citizens Bank Park.
Interleague intrigue: The Red Sox's .801 OPS during interleague play is the best in the majors since the interleague play began in 1997.
Braves at Twins
The NL East leaders will make their first visit to Target Field to take on the AL Central leaders. Both teams rank in the top 10 in ERA, but the pitchers will be put to the test with Justin Morneau, Joe Mauer, Troy Glaus and Jason Heyward, among others, ready to take their cuts.
Read Complete Article at Latest Sporting News Articles for MLB
You can make a case that Cubs-White Sox actually is the least appealing matchup of the weekend. The only other interleague series that pits two sub-.500 teams (Nationals-Indians) will involve rookie phenom Stephen Strasburg.
Despite a couple of clunkers, however, there are some appealing pairings. A look at this weekend's five interleague matchups between teams at .500 or better:
Ben Francisco figures to see time at DH. Phillies at Red Sox
Boston won two of three at Philadelphia during the first round of interleague play last month and leads the series 16-5 since 2004. As usual, both teams are in playoff contention this season, though neither would be in the postseason if the regular season ended today.
DH matters: With the DH in play at Fenway Park, Ben Francisco figures to benefit the most. Greg Dobbs, Ross Gload and Wilson Valdez also could get more playing time if the Phillies use the DH to rest Ryan Howard and Chase Utley.
Matchup to watch: Daisuke Matsuzaka vs. the Phillies' hitters (Saturday). Philadelphia's offense, which still isn't up to par, nearly hit rock bottom when Dice-K held them without a hit for 7 2/3 innings on May 22 at Citizens Bank Park.
Interleague intrigue: The Red Sox's .801 OPS during interleague play is the best in the majors since the interleague play began in 1997.
Braves at Twins
The NL East leaders will make their first visit to Target Field to take on the AL Central leaders. Both teams rank in the top 10 in ERA, but the pitchers will be put to the test with Justin Morneau, Joe Mauer, Troy Glaus and Jason Heyward, among others, ready to take their cuts.
Read Complete Article at Latest Sporting News Articles for MLB
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