On Deck: World Series Rematches

On Deck is The Fanhouse's look at the day's most intriguing matchups

New York Yankees (31-31) vs. Arizona Diamondbacks (37-28)-ESPN 7:05PM Est.

I mentioned in yesterday's On Deck that this series was a rematch of the 2001 World Series. (You might have also noticed that I used a picture of Justin Verlander in yesterday's On Deck as well. So, you're welcome, Justin.) At the time I failed to notice that this was one of three World Series rematches going on right now. The Yankees have now won seven straight games, and a large part of it's due to Bobby Abreu. Over the last eleven games, Abreu is hitting .488 with two home runs and 12 RBI. Which basically means I really wish that Jermaine Dye/Bobby Abreu trade had happened at this point. Forget his contract. Mike Mussina will be facing Livan Hernandez in today's matchup. As for the team Hernandez won the World Series MVP with, they've got their own rematch as well.

Florida Marlins (32-33) vs. Cleveland Indians (37-26)-7:05PM Est.

It's not the greatest week to be a Cleveland sports fan right now, is it? Sure, the Cavs are in the Finals, but they're getting destroyed. Now they have to relive that ground ball through Tony Fernandez's legs in 1997 as well as the Indians face the Marlins again. Florida is catching Cleveland at the right time, as they've been in a bit of an offensive slump lately. They were shutout by the Marlins 3-0 last night, and they'll look to avoid their longest losing streak of the season, four games, tonight against Byung-Hyun Kim. Kim just gave up 7 runs in 2.2 innings during his last start against Tampa Bay, and is 0-1 with a 6.97 ERA in his career against the Tribe. All of which means Cliff Lee should have plenty of support tonight.

Minnesota Twins (31-31) vs. Atlanta Braves (35-30)-8:10PM Est.

It's been some time since the Twins and Braves met in 1991's World Series, but it was one of the best World Serieseses I've ever seen. Minnesota looks like they're starting to come out of a slump as they've won their last two games, and are once again at .500. The Braves meanwhile have also been struggling as of late, and are falling farther and farther behind failing to gain any ground on the struggling Mets in the NL East. Chuck James goes for the Braves, and he's pitched well for them lately. In six of his last seven starts, James has allowed two or fewer earned runs. His record during that span? 2-3. That's not cool. That's not cool at all. Score some runs for the guy.