On Deck is FanHouse's look at the day's most intriguing matchups
Chicago Cubs (49-30) vs. Chicago White Sox (43-35) - 4:05 PM ET
The final weekend of interleague play for the season kicks off in the Bronx at 2 but the most meaningful game is in Chicago. The two Chicago clubs are in first, just as they were last week, but the White Sox can't afford another sweep at the hands of their crosstown rivals. The Twins are hard on their tail, a half-game back as play begins today, and there's that whole bragging rights thing to worry about too.
They'll need to do a better job against Ryan Dempster (9-2, 2.63) this time around. He held the Sox to one run in eight innings to win Sunday's finale at Wrigley Field. Dempster's won his last four decisions in what's turned out to be a very successful conversion from bullpen to rotation. They'll also need a better outing from their own starter. Jose Contreras (6-6, 3.96) got thrashed for 10 hits and nine runs in three and a third innings.
He'd do well to avoid Aramis Ramirez at all costs. Ramirez hit a three-run homer last Saturday and is 7-for-14 with four homers and 10 RBI in his career against the White Sox starter. That's good news for the short-handed Cubs who have more of a cushion than the White Sox but a similarly smoking second-place team behind them in Milwaukee.
Milwaukee Brewers (43-35) vs. Minnesota Twins (43-36) - 8:10 PM ET
Speaking of those second place teams, they'll be doing battle this weekend in the underrated battle for bragging rights across the upper Midwest. It helps that they are the two hottest teams in baseball. The Twins have reeled off nine straight wins, gaining six games in the standings, while the Brewers have taken eight of their last 10 to continue their surprising climb back into the NL Central race.
The Twins have been more than good of late, they've been dominant. Their starters are 8-0 with a 2.17 ERA and their offense has outscored the opposition 56-17 in the past nine. Nick Blackburn (6-4, 3.68) will try to keep things rolling on the mound and try to push the Twins closer to their franchise record of 11 straight wins. He'll be facing Seth McClung (5-3, 3.79) who, on June 15th, was the last pitcher to beat the Twins. He allowed four hits and two runs over six innings in that contest.
Cincinnati Reds (36-44) vs. Cleveland Indians (36-43) - 7:05 PM ET
This series may be the point of no return for the Tribe. Whatever slim hopes they have of getting back into the race could be extinguished with a poor performance in the Battle for Ohio. It's fitting, then, that C.C. Sabathia (5-8, 4.06) gets the ball in the opener. Word is that they are making one last try to sign the pending free agent but if that doesn't work, there could be another move in store.
If the Indians do decide to throw in the towel, the bidding for Sabathia will be fast, furious and, potentially, quite fruitful to Cleveland's future. Sabathia's struck out 10 in each of his last two starts and is showing no signs of his April struggles. Daryl Thompson will be starting for the Reds. He made his big league debut with five shutout innings after getting lost on his way to Yankee Stadium so he shouldn't be fazed by big bad C.C.
Everybody Else
Mets vs. Yankees - 2:05 PM ET
Yankees vs. Mets - Second Game
Rockies vs. Tigers - 7:05 PM ET
Rays vs. Pirates - 7:05 PM ET
Braves vs. Blue Jays - 7:07 PM ET
Diamondbacks vs. Marlins - 7:10 PM ET
Orioles vs. Nationals - 7:35 PM ET
Red Sox vs. Astros - 8:05 PM ET
Phillies vs. Rangers - 8:05 PM ET
Cardinals vs. Royals - 8:10 PM ET
Mariners vs. Padres - 10:05 PM ET
Giants vs. A's - 10:05 PM ET
Angels vs. Dodgers - 10:40 PM ET
