Friday's first pitch

Leading Off
That's right the Yankees have a big weekend series at home. Wait a minute, they're not the World Champs. That's right, we're talking about the Phillies and their first visit to the new Yankee Stadium. Boy, it really should be nice to see Raul Ibanez, Ryan Howard and Chase Utley hitting in those winds.
For the record, the Phillies are 14-5 on the road this season.
For the record, the Yankees have won nine straight.
Regional Roundup
Regional teams are prepping for Interleague Play.

• Utley came up big, but how much is he hurting?


• Was this Adam Eaton's last start. The statistics say it better be. Then again, Phillies fans have been saying that for two years. Nick Markakis is worth every penny.


• Yes, it can happen every now and then. No, we're not talking about Haley's Comet, we're talking about a Nats' win.


• How will the Pirates handle a DH this weekend in Chicago.

• The Twins thumped, and we mean thumped, the White Sox.


• The Mets report Jose Reyes is day-to-day. From what we understand, so is Courtney Love.


• The Red Sox have swept the Blue Jays. The division has closed to a game-and-a-half. Jayson Bay is a legit MVP candidate.


• Is Aaron Rowand the answer to the Giants leadoff woes?


• Mike Scioscia and Joe Torre are two of the best in the business. What do they have in common? A calming influence.


• We feel bad for Chamberlain, but the New York Post headline is fantastic: Joba the Hurt.


• The Marlins schedule is about to get rough, sandpaper on an eyeball rough. They go Rays, Phils, Mets, Brewers, Giants, Cardinals, Blue Jays, Red Sox, Yankees, Orioles, and, finally, the stretch ends with another bout with the Rays


• Tony La Russa's lineups can be maddening, but they get results.


• Larry Stone says there are plenty of players out there who could win 300 games. After all Randy Johnson didn't get number 49 until he was 28.

• The fire sale continues in San Diego, but this time the Padres traded Jody Gerut for Tony Gwynn Jr.
  Of course, the nixed Jake Peavy trade is all people are talking about.

The Closer
While we disagree, with Ray Ratto's position, we think you should read his column that says Interleague Play is a waste of time and energy.