On Deck is FanHouse's look at the day's most intriguing baseball matchups.
New York Yankees (57-45) at Boston Red Sox- (60-44) 3:55 PM ET
As if the lure of Yankees/Red Sox wasn't enough, now you have the drama of a huge trade to stoke your fire. The Yankees beat everyone to the punch (as they normally do at the trade deadline) and acquired the righty bat they needed in Xavier Nady, and the lefty specialist out of the 'pen they needed in Damaso Marte.
We know Nady can handle the big city, having hit .264 with 14 HR's in 265 AB's with the Mets in '06. Marte was property of the Yankees in '01, but was traded for Enrique Wilson before Marte could make it with the big club. Now, they make their return to New York ... and pending physicals, they may be ready to go today for their Yankee baptism by fire at Fenway Park.
Colorado Rockies (46-58) at Cincinnati Reds (50-54) - 7:10 PM ET
Speaking of the trade deadline, I know you're thinking that this is a weird game to spotlight. But think about it: This game could cause a rip in the space time continuum that would make society collapse onto itself. In other words, if the Rockies, who are six games out of the N.L. West lead, keep winning on the road in games like today, they could be buyers instead of sellers ... which means that the course of history could be changed forever. Angels fans thinking what could have been if they had been able to pry Matt Holliday ... or Marlins fans wondering if Brian Fuentes would have been enough to win the N.L. East. Consequences abound.
Atlanta Braves (49-53) at Philadelphia Phillies (54-49) - 3:55 PM ET
All right, need a third game to spotlight. Let's see ... lots of good ones here. Let's look at the pitching matchups ... ooh, there's Brandon Webb vs. Tim Lincecum in San Francisco, that's a good one. Let me just make sure I'm not missing ... wait a minute. It can't be. Mike Hampton??!??!?!?!?? He's actually going to pitch? In the major leagues??? For realz? No, can't be. How's he going to do on three years rest? I hope he makes it to the ballpark intact. Lot of things can happen ... cramp in his foot waking up, freak accident with a blow dryer, hit by a bus crossing the street ... aah, as long as he doesn't jaywalk, he'll be fine..
Arizona Diamondbacks (51-51) at San Francisco Giants (43-59) - 9:05 PM ET
You know what, Brandon Webb vs. Tim Lincecum isn't a bad way to spend your Saturday either.
Everyone else:
- Marlins at Cubs1:05 ET
- Mariners at Blue Jays 1:07 ET
- Rangers at Athletics 4:05 ET
- Padres at Pirates 7:05 ET
- Angels at Orioles 7:05 ET
- White Sox at Tigers 7:05 ET
- Astros at Brewers 7:05 ET
- Twins at Indians 7:05 ET
- Cardinals at Mets 7:10 ET
- Rays at Royals 7:10 ET
- Nationals at Dodgers 10:10 ET
