Baseball in the Daytime: 4-30-09

We go from no day games for a week, to six yesterday, to two today. I can't figure out the pattern, but I can give you a few details on today's match-ups, but you gotta be smart enough to know where to find 'em. And if you figure that out, explain to me how both Central divisions have three clubs knotted at 11-10 in the standings. Funkytown, USA. Speaking of which, if you want to play Funkytown on a keypad like Towelie did on South Park just type 55754 45085. Them's some good times.

Oakland @ Texas, 1:05 Central: A battle of .500 A.L. West pitchers kicks off today's slate down in Arlington as lefty Dallas Braden takes on ugly Vicente Padilla. Padilla has guided the Rangers to three wins and a loss in his four starts, two of which have been courtesy of walk-off home runs by kid molester Michael Young. Dude must've spent some time in Pittsburgh. Braden, 2-2/2.52 is the money man for a terrible A's clue that sits in the West's cellar at 7-11. They'll need a good outing from him if they want to gain ground on division-leading Seattle, who, by the way, really needs to start losing. Not only are they (Editor's Note: along with every other team I previewed) making me look bad, I think that it's been decided that it will continue to rain as long as they're in first. DirecTV 721 and XM 176 are your dial marks.

Toronto @ Kansas City, 1:10: Assuming the rain subsides long enough to squeeze in some baseball, Kyle Davies is slated for the home team; Brian Burres will go for the Jays. I really don't see how this game happens this afternoon, but assuming it will, the Royals need quick work out of Davies to keep the Toronto bats in check as the clubs have taken turns (7-1, 8-2, 11-3) kicking the crap out of each other the past three days, and the pattern says it's the Jays' turn. The lefty Burres has his work cut out for him as well, as his previous outing against Chicago lasted only four and-a-third, plunking his E.R.A. at a nice, round 12.46. DirecTV and XM take their respective stations up one notch from the previous listing.

So if you're in Kansas City or in Texas, head on out to the ball park. Royals fans should remember to put on their rubbers as per the forecast. Rangers fans should do the same this evening when they get home and cuddle up with their favorite goat.

(photo courtesy of John Sleezer, The Kansas City Star)