Murderers' row: A look at the Pirates' next three opponents

Tuesday, June 27, 2006

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

Chicago White Sox (49-26)
Resume: Defending World Series champions. ... Second-best record in the major leagues. ... Lead majors in home runs (111).
Power sources
Player		HR	RBI	Avg.
Jim Thome		24	61	.280
Jermaine Dye		20	54	.296
Paul Konerko		19	60	.315
Joe Crede		14	54	.307
Aces
Player	Rec	.ERA	BB	SO
Jim Thome	24	61	.280
Jose Contreas	8-0	3.15	25	64
Mark Buehrle	8-4	3.27	27	43
Freddy Garcia	9-4	4.66	24	57


Detroit Tigers (52-25)
Resume: Have best record in the major leagues. ... Winners of 10 of past 11 games, including three-game sweep of NL Central-leader St. Louis. ... Lead majors in ERA (3.54), saves (28) and shutouts (9).
Power sources
Player		HR	RBI	Avg.
Brandon Inge		16	45	.231
Magglio Ordonez		15	57	.314
Marcus Thames		15	29	.308
Chris Shelton		14	35	.274
Aces
Player	Rec	.ERA	BB	SO
Zach Miner	4-1	2.59	11	23
Nate Robertson	7-3	3.38	33	66
Kenny Rogers	10-3	3.44	25	59
Jeremy Bonderman	7-4	3.65	29	102


New York Mets (47-28)
Resume: Have the best record in National League. ... Lead East by 11¹/₂ games, largest lead in the majors. ... Lead NL in ERA (3.82).
Power sources
Player		HR	RBI	Avg.
Carlos Beltran		20	59	.285
Carlos Delgado		20	53	.262
David Wright		18	64	.336
Xavier Nady		11	27	.270
Aces
Player	Rec	.ERA	BB	SO
Tom Glavine	11-2	3.33	30	75
Pedro Martinez	7-3	3.01	26	110
Steve Trachsel	6-4	4.82	36	39