Dream week: June 23-29

Sporting News, The, July 1, 2005 by Chris Bahr

THURSDAY, 6/23

A's at Mariners

* Four seasons ago, the M's and A's combined for 218 W's. Now they're combining for plenty of f-bombs (courtesy of their fans).

FRIDAY, 6/24

Marlins at Devil Rays

* With no interest in the rematch for Florida bragging rights-the Marlins swept the May series, and even Al Leiter got a win--more fans will be at the Foreigner concert at the county fair than at Tropicana Field.

SATURDAY, 6/25

Red Sox at Phillies

* We might have found the cure for Manny Ramirez's mysterious ailment. Manny hit .636 with nine RBIs in three games against the Phillies last season.

SUNDAY, 6/26

Pirates at Cardinals

* Reggie Sanders meets another of his former teams. Like Kevin Bacon, Sanders has worked with almost everyone.

MONDAY, 6/27

Yankees at Orioles

* The Orioles have owned the Yankees this season, winning five of the first six meetings. Miguel Tejada and Brian Roberts have five homers, 22 RBIs and a .500 average combined against New York.

TUESDAY, 6/28

White Sox at Tigers

* For the second time this season, the injured Magglio Ordonez will miss a chance to face his former teammates, so we'll have to settle for Maggs and White Sox manager Ozzie Guillen battling each other in a "Yo' Momma" joke-off. In other trash talk news, Dmitri Young said earlier this season that the A.L. Central would come down to the Tigers and Indians. The big question: How in the world have Frank Thomas and A.J. Pierzynski managed to stay quiet?

WEDNESDAY, 6/29 Padres at Dodgers

* Los Angeles and San Diego will be using the controversial D.R. rule: Each team will get to put ex-Dodger and current Padres speedster Dave Roberts atop its order, provided he can stay off the D.L.