-Dexter Sports
4:31 PM

Today has been a slow day at the ballpark so far. Tampa blew out the Mariners earlier today. Edwin Jackson looked fantastic, and I am sure glad I picked him up in a fantasy league for this start. Other than that, The Brewers pitching couldn't hold up with the performance of Aaron Harang. Tonight, we will have our first double header of the year. The Cubs will look to beat the pirates in regulation and the Tigers will look to put a winning streak together. Here are some thoughts to consider in the match ups today.

• Ok, so the Tigers won and scored 7 runs last night, but let us look at the real story. All of the Runs and RBIs came from the bottom of the order, and Magglio Ordonez, Placido Polanco, Miguel Cabrera and Ivan Rodriguez STILL struggled. Though I think that this is the start of an offense emerging, the bats are still cold. They will get their shot against soft tossing knuckler Tim Wakefield tonight. Nate Roberston will take the mound for the Tigers. Good news though. Magglio Ordonez is a career .455 hitter against Wakefield with two dingers and 5 doubles. Throw in 8 Rbis as well. I like the Tiger's chances of the awakening the bats.

• With the Cubs Bullpen stretched out, look for Lou Pinella to pitch Rich Hill a couple more innings if needed. The Cubs have gone to extras in back to back games. I don't think that Kerry Wood's job is on the line, but if Carlos Marmol continues to dominate, watch out.
  

• The Kansas City Royals really look like a team that could compete in the central this season. The Royals will bust out the powder blue alternates on Saturday against division foe Minnesota. The Royals Rotation has looked outstanding. I believe that this staff will be the best in the AL Central in 2008. Thats right, the Royals pitching rotation will be better than Cleveland and Detroit. This weekend series will showcase two of the best Available stolen base options in Carlos Gomez and Joey Gathright.

• Many wonder what the Mariners are going to do with the closer position, including myself. It was evident that Miguel Batista isnt in the equation though. Batista made his second start since J.J. Putz hit the DL. I guess they believe his value is more useful as a starter, where he has been rough, compared to closer, where his stuff would be more sharp in less innings. I think it would be a bold, yet good move for this bullpen that is getting thrashed in the later innings.