On Deck: Let's Play Four

On Deck is FanHouse's look at the day's most intriguing matchups

Chicago White Sox (43-55) vs. Detroit Tigers (59-38)-2:05PM Est.

The White Sox and Tigers are two of the four teams that will be playing a double header today. For the Tigers, playing five games against the White Sox in four days could be the best thing to ever happen to their division lead. Jeremy Bonderman doesn't hurt either, and he'll be starting for the Tigers in Game 1. Bonderman is 10-1 on the season, but only 5-6 in his lifetime against the White Sox. Of course the last time the White Sox took place in a double header, they ended up allowing 32 runs to the Minnesota Twins. It'll be up to Javier Vazquez to try and keep the Tigers under 20 this time around. Vazquez has been fantastic for Chicago, winning his last five starts, and looks to keep his streak alive against Detroit. Gavin Floyd and Virgil Vasquez have both been called up and will start the second game of the double header this evening.

Texas Rangers (43-56) vs. Seattle Mariners (54-42)-5:05PM Est.

Today's other double header features the Rangers and Mariners. Seattle has lost their last three games and have failed to capitalize on the recent struggles of the Angels. Ryan Feierabend will start the opener for Seattle, and is 1-3 with a 9.31 ERA so far this season. Not exactly the kind of thing you want to see when hoping to avoid your fourth straight loss, but it is a good sign that Ryan's only Major League win came against the Rangers in June. Even luckier for Seattle, they're facing a guy who actually has a higher ERA than Feierabend. John Rheineker starts for the Rangers, and though he has no wins or losses, he does have a lovely ERA of 12.00. Jarrod Washburn and Kameron Loe will start the nightcap.

San Francisco Giants (41-56) vs. Atlanta Braves (53-47)-10:15PM Est.

Just so you know, until Bonds breaks the record, the Giants will be one of the day's most intriguing matchups. It's just the way it is. Of course, today is Barry's birthday. So happy birthday, Barry! Everybody is coming to the party tonight, even if they don't really want to. So it would probably be a nice thing for you to do if you could possibly hit a home run tonight. You think you could do that for us? Huh? We promise not to let any third parties get in your way. Tim Hudson will be Bonds' first foe, and Barry has some success against Hudson. In fact, he has a lot. He's only faced him 19 times, but is hitting .474 with four home runs and eight walks in those at bats.