BASEBALL: Chicago White Sox at Detroit Tigers

It feels like I've picked games involving these teams as TOTW about 50 times already. It's with good reason since the Tigers have enjoyed the best record in MLB all year and the White Sox remain very competitive defending champs. Detroit won the series opener 7-1 last night to increase its lead in the AL Central to 6 1/2 games. The race isn't over yet, but if the Sox lose again tonight, they must then focus exclusively on Wildcard hopes, just like their hosiery brothers from Boston.

Going for Detroit is craft lefty Kenny Rogers. Age hasn't affected the Gambler because he never overpowered anyway. He's a smart pitcher and brings a nose-to-toes hook that even Blyleven and Zito admire. Besides being an asshole and anything but clutch, Rogers will surpringly be remembered as one of the most consistent pitchers of his era. Save his perfect game pitched for the Rangers way back in 1994, he's never dominant, but always pretty good. And in a time of steroids and small ballparks, that isn't too shabby. It won't earn the Gambler a place to Cooperstown, but it has assured his retirement years will be very comfortable.

The White Sox send former ace Mark Buehrle to the hill. I don't think anyone saw Buehrle's troubles coming. Afterall, following several good seasons, he was great in 2005 and led a strong Chicago staff to a world championship. But 2006 has been a different story. Though Buehrle has picked up some wins, his ERA is well north of the 5.00 mendoza line.

Both the Tigers and White Sox need their veteran hurlers to be good #3 options as future playoff adventures approach. Let's see if either accepts that challenege.

My pick: Chicago. The Sox win in a slugfest. I may have devoted much of this post to pitching, but don't be mislead. While Detroit can win by playing small ball, Chicago's only chance to repeat is by outslugging opponents with big bats like Jim Thome, Joe Crede, and Paul Konerko.

I may be watching baseball but I've still got football on the brain these days. They have cheerleaders, afterall. More Miami Dolphins today.