On Deck is The FanHouse's look at the day's most intriguing matchups
Colorado Rockies (37-34) vs. New York Yankees (35-34)-3:05PM Est.
No, Roger's not high like Alexi Lalas, it's just that he's pitching in the rarified air of Colorado this evening. Speaking of being high, I think I am because I swear the Rockies have a better record than the Yankees, and that's just not possible. The Rocket's also going for another career milestone tonight, as a victory would give him 350 in his career. Roger's pitched well in his only two starts of the season, including a loss in his last outing in which he only gave up two runs. He'll be going against another legend in Rodrigo Lopez who's 3-0 with a 2.90 ERA. Wait a second, Rodrigo Lopez is 3-0 with an ERA under 3.00? I am high.
San Diego Padres (41-29) vs. Baltimore Orioles (30-41)-3:35PM Est.
It's the day Padres fans have waited their entire life for. Michael Barrett will be making his Padres debut behind the plate this afternoon. His opponent? David Wells The Baltimore Orioles. The Padres may have fleeced the Cubs in the Barrett deal, but how he interacts with his new teammates remains to be seen. David Wells will be the first guy to become the victim of a passed ball, and he's facing off against Erik Bedard. Bedard is only 4-4 this season, but he's one of the bright spots on an Orioles team that's struggling right now. The O's finally broke their nine game losing streak last night, earning Dave Trembley's first career victory, they'll try not to make sure it's his last today.
Seattle Mariners (36-32) vs. Pittsburgh Pirates (31-40)-10:05PM Est.
If the Pirates couldn't manage to score a run against Jeff Weaver last night, what should we expect from them against Felix Hernandez? I mean, if the Pirates even show up to the ballpark tonight. Anytime you suffer the embarrassment of getting dominated by Jeff Weaver, suicide is an honorable response. Of course, baseball is a funny game so I'm guessing the Pirates explode for 8-10 runs tonight. Jon Van Benschoten (!) will be getting the start for the Buccos, and I'm sure he wouldn't mind the support. As for the (!) after Jon's name, that's my thing. I just can't say his name without screaming it. It's just one of those names.
