77

The Tigers won last night, continuing their dominance over K.C., and stretching their lead over the White Sox to 2.5 games. Detroit's win means the Sox's Magic Number is still 77 since the Sox didn't play yesterday. Tonight, Jose Contreras pitches on his normal four days rest against the Yankees in the Bronx. Mark Buehrle and Freddy Garicia are slated to take the mound on Saturday and Sunday, respectively, both on six days rest. I haven't heard what the rest of the rotation will be, but suspect that Jon Garland will be up next, followed by Javier Vazquez since Garland pitched in relief last Saturday and Vazquez did last Sunday.

The schedule for the remainder of the season doesn't seem to favor either the Sox or the Tigers too much. Based solely on opponents' winning percentages, the Sox's opponents project to win 36.8 of 74 games, while Detroit's project to win 37.6 of 73 games. (That doesn't take into account who their opponents are.) Not much to choose from there. The outcome of the season may well boil down to the 13 games remaining between the two Central Division leaders. But first things first. Beat the Yankees this weekend, and then move on to Detroit and do battle there. Go Sox!