On Deck: NLCS Redux

On Deck is The Fanhouse's look at the day's most intriguing baseball matchups

New York Mets (41-32) vs. St. Louis Cardinals (33-39)-ESPN2 7:05PM Est.

The last time the Cardinals visited Shea Stadium they were dogpiling on the pitcher's mound and preparing themselves to go win a World Series. This time around they're just trying to get back to .500. Mike Maroth will be making his first start for the Redbirds after they acquired him from the Tigers last week. He'll be facing a Mets team that's won three in a row, and looks like it might be coming out of it's June swoon. Jorge Sosa starts for the Metropolitans, and I'm sure he's hoping Paul Lo Duca doesn't throw his catchers equipment at him.

Seattle Mariners (39-33) vs. Boston Red Sox (48-26)-10:05PM Est.

If the Red Sox do complete that trade for Mark Buehrle, Julian Tavarez is likely to lose his spot in the starting rotation and move back to the bullpen. The question is, would that be the right move? After all, Tavarez has won his last four starts and looks to make it five in a row tonight. Considering he's 2-0 with a 1.98 ERA against Seattle in his career, it seems entirely possible. Of course, this is his first career start against the Mariners. The Mariners meanwhile will counter with Jeff Weaver who shocked the world in his last start. A complete game shutout by Jeff Weaver? Surely the world is coming to an end! Well, don't get too excited Seattle fans. I'm not sure Nightmare Weaver has turned the corner just yet. It was an Interleague game, and Weaver is 1-0 with a 1.89 ERA in three interleague starts. In his six starts against American League teams this season? 0-6 with a 14.32 ERA.

Detroit Tigers (45-29) vs. Texas Rangers (30-45)-7:05PM Est.

The Tigers are hot. In case you haven't noticed, they've won their last seven games and have now overtaken the Cleveland Indians in the AL Central. Considering the way that the Rangers have been playing lately, I wouldn't be shocked if the Tigers stretch their 2-game lead, and their win streak to 10 after this series. Jeremy Bonderman starts for the Tigers tonight, and he knows a thing or two about winning streaks. He's won his last eight starts, and looks to get to nine straight this evening. He'll be opposed by Kameron Loe, who's 6.34 ERA on the season is bound to help Bondo out.