Coming attractions

Sporting News, The, May 24, 2004 by Chris Bahr

For the first time since leaving the Rangers, A-Rod will return to Texas this weekend. He will be greeted by cheers. Or not. The Rangers have done fine without him, thanks in large part to Alfonso Soriano, who came from the Yankees in the A-Rod deal.... The Dodgers and Braves appear headed in different directions.

Atlanta now is the team that can't score. Elite closers will be on display when the teams meet in Atlanta. Eric Gagne and John Smoltz had 207 saves combined in 2002 and '03, though Smoltz has been a little more hittable in 2004.... It's a rematch of an ALDS in Boston starting Tuesday. This time, Keith Foulke of the Bed Sox will pitch to the A's, not for them. ... The Cubs will welcome the Cardinals to Wrigley on Friday. Pitching dominated their first series, but it will be tough to shut down these offenses again. ... The White Sox and Twins, the A.L. Central heavyweights, will meet for the second straight weekend.