Sox vs. Sox In Chicago Showdown

There’ll be a pair of new outfielders roaming the grass at U.S. Cellular Field on Friday night as the Boston Red Sox arrive in Chicago for a four-game series vs. the White Sox. That’ll mean some new data for those who plan on doing baseball betting this weekend.

Jason Bay may never make BoSox fans forget about Manny Ramirez, but he hasn’t disappointed in his first week with the team. Bay had a four-hit night against the Royals on Tuesday, and he collected nine hits and six RBI over his first five games with the team. Apparently the move from Pittsburgh to Boston has not affected Bay at the plate.

Ken Griffey Jr. didn’t get off to a quick start with his new team like Bay did. In fact, Junior went just 1-for-6 with three strikeouts in an ugly game against the Tigers on Tuesday. Of course, Chicago is probably just hoping that Griffey can stay healthy the rest of the way and provide a bit more offense than either Paul Konerko or Nick Swisher.

The two offenses, though, might take a back seat to the pitching this weekend – especially on Friday night when it’s Jon Lester (10-3, 3.14 ERA) vs. Mark Buehrle (8-10, 4.07 ERA). Boston is 9-1 in Lester’s last 10 starts, and the lefthander has surrendered just four earned runs over his last 21 1-3 innings pitched. Lester last took a loss May 25.

Buehrle’s solid season hit a bump last time out, as he was pounded for eight earned runs on 14 hits over just 4 1-3 innings in a loss to the Royals. The lefthander had given up just eight earned runs combined over his previous four outings. Buehrle is 5-4 with a no-decision over his last 10 starts, surrendering three or fewer earned runs seven times.

Saturday will see Daisuke Matsuzaka (12-2, 3.04 ERA) take on Jose Contreras (7-6, 4.60 ERA). Dice-K has been rocked twice in his past 10 starts (for six and seven runs), but in the other eight outings he held the opposition to three or fewer runs. Contreras is expected to be activated from the DL for Saturday; he last pitched in a loss on July 13.

Sunday’s pitching matchup is Clay Buchholz (2-7, 5.94 ERA) vs. Gavin Floyd (11-6, 3.66 ERA), while Monday features Josh Beckett (10-8, 4.08 ERA) and John Danks (8-4, 3.31 ERA). Beckett is coming off a solid outing against the Royals in which he gave up two earned runs on four hits over 6 2-3 innings; that snapped his three-game skid. Danks is 2-0 with two no-decisions over his past four starts despite some shaky outings.

The White Sox will still be without third baseman Joe Crede for this series, as he’s not ready to return from his back injury. Red Sox shortstop Julio Lugo remains on the disabled list as well – the team is hoping he’s soon able to go on a rehab assignment. Check for all the latest baseball odds on these four contests as game time approaches.