It may seem like there are only two games today, each involving a New York baseball team, but there are a couple of others worth mentioning as well.

Joba Chamberlain, of course, makes his transition to the starting rotation and does not draw an easy assignment. He'll face Roy Halladay and the Blue Jays in the Bronx. Halladay is pitching old school this season, with five complete games under his belt. Chamberlain will likely be limited to 70 pitches, so unless the Blue Jays do him a favor and swing at a lot of first pitches, he won't be around at the end. It will be interesting to see how Joba paces himself.

Meanwhile, in Boston, two teams are actually battling for first place in the AL East. The Rays send Matt Garza against the Pawtucket Shuttle, Justin Masterson. In two starts Masterson walked a few batters, but he's been nearly unhittable as opponents managed a .128 BA against him. Garza is doing a great job shutting down left-handed batters this season, allowing a .307 OBA and a .310 slugging percentage.

Despite their recent losing streak, the Royals are 7 1/2 games out of first place, and get a chance to gain as they play the White Sox tonight. It's a good matchup of young pitchers as Zach Greinke visits Gavin Floyd. Part of Greinke's success comes from allowing a .191 BA with runners in scoring position this season. Floyd, like much of the White Sox staff, cut down on his home runs allowed this season. He's pitched six fewer innings than last year, but allowed ten fewer home runs. Guillen and Williams will meet before the game to discuss the offense, and possibly Ozzie's job.

Dontrelle Willis make his first start in his home town as he faces the Athletics and Dana Eveland. Willis has not pitched much nor pitched well, walking eleven batters and striking out none in six innings of work. Eveland has been impressive for the A's, especially at home where his ERA is 2.73.

Finally, Pedro Martinez returns to the mound for the Mets, trying not to turn into Mike Hampton/Mark Prior/Carl Pavano. He'll face a fairly weak offense in the Giants, who are averaging 3.93 runs per game. Barry Zito tries to stop the Mets. He pitched okay in May, posting a 3.49 ERA but he still is issuing a ton of walks.

Enjoy!

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