Matchup heaven & hell

Sporting News, The, May 19, 2003

Favorable and unfavorable schedules for hitters during the week of May 19-25.

HEAVEN

Angels. Six games at favorable Edison International against the Orioles and Devil Rays.

Astros. Six games at hitters paradise Minute Maid Park.

Cardinals. Six of seven games at favorable parks (three at PNC Park and three at Minute Maid).

Cubs. Same as the Cardinals.

Diamondbacks. Six games at Bank One, the third-most favorable hitters park in the majors the past three seasons.

Giants. Three at Bank One, then three at Coors Field.

Orioles. They play at Anaheim and Texas, but those teams look vulnerable, and the O's hit better on the road than at home.

Ranger. Yahtzee of the week: Some opponents as the Angels, and this team will mash them at The Ballpark.

Reds. Six games at their newly opened bandbox, Great American Ball Park.

White Sox. Six at home against the Tigers and Blue Jays.

HELL

Blue Jays. Toronto, which has struggled offensively on the road, has seven road games, including four at Yankee Stadium.

Expos. Six games at moderately unfavorable (and nearly vacant) Olympic Stadium.

Phillies. Six on the road at unfavorable parks (Shea Stadium, Olympic Stadium).

Royals. Next in line to take that ominous road trip to Seattle and Oakland.

Twins. Same schedule as the Royals.--B.R.