Baseball Tonight 7-27-06

Not too many games to choose from tonight.

• Chicago Cubs (39-61 5th NL Central Rich Hill 0-4 9.31) vs. St. Louis Cardinals (58-42 1st NL Central Jeff Weaver 4-11 6.32)-One of baseball's best rivalries continues tonight at Wrigley Field. Like most of the previous times these two teams have met, the Cardinals are in first and playing for something and the Cubs are the Cubs. Still, the Cubs tend to play the Redbirds well and are 6-3 against them this year. Yesterday, Mark Prior had a no-hitter through 5.2 innings before being pulled by Dusty Baker. The no-hitter was lost in typical Cubbie fashion, when a pop-up was misplayed and the Cubs went on to 1-0 in 10. The Cardinals on the other hand have won 14 of 17, and seem to be back on track after a horrible performance in interleague play. Tonight's game features two pitchers who are sure to have the opposing team's players fighting to get some at bats. Jeff Weaver did pitch well in his last outing, a win over the Dodgers in which he lasted 5.2IP and only gave up 1ER. Rich Hill on the other hand hasn't been seen since that fateful day of May 20th in which Michael Barrett punched AJ Pierzynski. Hill was demoted after that game partly because he sucks, and also because he opened his mouth about the incident. Dusty Baker responded to his young pitcher by telling him to win a game in the Majors before forming an opinion on anything. I like the Cardinals tonight. (TV-ESPN 7:05PM Est.)
• Kansas City Royals (35-65 5th AL Central Jimmy Gobble 3-3 4.88) vs. Baltimore Orioles (46-56 4th AL East 6-11 6.73)-I told you the schedule was less than desirable tonight! Seriously though, Minor League baseball is fun too. Give it a chance. Also how many times during the season are the Royals actually FAVORED to win? You gotta take the Orioles!! (TV-Local 8:10PM Est.)
• Oakland Athletics (52-49 1st-T AL West Joe Blanton 10-8 4.90) vs. Toronto Blue Jays (56-45 3rd AL East Ted Lilly 9-8 3.89)-Geography is killing the Blue Jays. They sit in third place in the AL East, yet if they were in the AL West they'd hold a nice little 4 game lead over the A's and Angels. The Athletics are now tied with the Angels for first in the AL West after losing 2 of 3 at home to the Red Sox. The Blue Jays beat the A's in the 1992 American League Championship Series, and they will again tonight. (TV-Local 10:05PM Est.)

Last Night:2-1 (W-Tigers, Athletics L-Dodgers)

Season: 17-10