3 Picks: Interleague Intrigue

Monday, June 18: Curt Schilling (6-3)(BOS) vs. Chuck James (5-6)(ATL)

Purists may have issues with interleague play - or even the pairing of Boston and Atlanta as "natural" interleague rivals. But match ups like this one make me a big fan of the format. And anyone who knows the history of the Boston Braves can see a natural fit toward this particular rivalry.(Win Probability graphing by Fangraphs)
Curt Schilling: 4.1IP, 10H, 6R, 6ER, 2BB, 0SO, 1HR - L

Chuck James: 5.1IP, 5H, 2R, 2ER, 4BB, 4SO, 2HR - W

All told, 11 different pitchers took to the mound in this game and only the starters came away with the decision - no holds or saves for the relievers in this one. This was a rough outing for Schilling.

Tuesday, June 19: Johan Santana (6-6)(MIN) vs. Jorge Sosa (6-2)(NYM)

Johan is only 6-6 so far this season? An uncharacteristic lack of run support is holding el Presidente (and defending AL Cy Young Award winner) from a 12-0 record. Equally shocking is Sosa's 6-2. Jorge has a winning record? In the NL East? Really? Santana pitching at Shea? Cool.(Win Probability graphing by Fangraphs)
Johan Santana: 9.0IP, 4H, 0R, 0ER, 0BB, 1SO, 0HR - W

Jorge Sosa: 3.1IP, 8H, 7R, 5ER, 2BB, 1SO, 0HR - L

Santana continues to pitch like the best pitcher in the American League (which makes him the best pitcher in the majors) with a complete game shutout against the Jorge Sosa I'd expected to see all year.

Wednesday, June 20: Andy Pettitte (4-4)(NYY) vs. Jeff Francis (6-5)(COL)

The suddenly resurgent Yankees play a little humidor ball at the mile high as Jeff Francis matches up against the former rival Astros starter. The real question is: can A-Rod handle a Francis curve-ball?(Win Probability graphing by Fangraphs)
Andy Pettite: 6.2IP, 9H, 6R, 6ER, 2BB, 4SO, 1HR - L
Jeff Francis: 7.0IP, 5H, 1R, 1ER, 1BB, 9SO, 0HR - W

The Francis quality start - and 9 strikeouts - beats the Andy Pettitte not-quality start in this one. And in the process, Jeff Francis endears himself to fans everywhere for his good deed of beating the Yankees.

- 3 picks will go on a brief hiatus... possibly missing a Dice-K start or two in the process -