Jeremy Sowers makes his major league debut today for the Cleveland Indians. Sowers was originally drafted by the Reds out of college, but wanted to attend college. The Indians picked him up three years later. He'll face face the Reds today. As you can see here and here, Sowers pitched very well at AAA this season. The one home run allowed is very impressive. Sowers, like so many Cleveland pitchers, however, doesn't strike out many batters, making him very dependent on the skill of the defense.

He'll be opposed by Elizardo Ramirez. Ramirez's ERA of 3.69 is much better than his 2-6 record. He's been hurt by two things.

1. Twenty two percent of runs scored against him are unearned.
2. The Reds only scored 24 runs with him on the mound, or 3.54 runs per 9.

Better play on both sides of the ball from his fielders would easily turn that record around.

The pitching matchup of the day takes place during game 1 in New York (weather permitting) as Dontrelle Willis face Mike Mussina. The Yankees won 15 of 21 games started by an opposition left hander this season, trailing only Detroit (they've won 16 of 22). Willis pitches lights out on the road this year, posting a 2.39 ERA away from Dolphin Stadium, but a 7.83 ERA at home. Mike Mussina is on a bit of a slide right now. Over his last four starts, Mussina's ERA increased by a run. The one thing that stands out in the month of June for Mike is that balls are falling in for hits. He's allowing a .296 batting average this month vs. .212 the first two months. And they're long hits, too. He allowed just 17 extra-base hits in April and May, 13 in June.

The Astros get one more chance to try to win a game from the White Sox. They'll send staff ace Roy Oswalt to the mound against newcomer Javier Vazquez. Oswalt's given up just one home run on the road this season, but given the ballpark and the opposition, that may change tonight. Vazquez so far solved his home run problem. In equal number of starts home and road, he's given up just two of his seven home runs in Chicago.

Enjoy!