It seems most of the headlines are coming from entertainment world. Tippy Tom of Opie and Anthony infamy died. The world speculates at the cause of Michael Jackson’s death and awaits word in his funeral arrangements.
Meanwhile, the Maria Belen Chapur pictures have been found and Farrah Fawcett Playboy images are resurfacing.
Meeting up on the diamond . . .
Cubs starter Randy Wells (1-3, 2.57 ERA) will be looking to pick up his second consecutive win late on Friday afternoon when his team begins a cross-town road series against the White Sox and Jose Contreras (2-6, 5.23 ERA). Righthander Wells beat the Indians in his last trip to the mound, holding the Tribe to two earned runs over his 6 2-3 innings of work. Righthander Contreras lost to the Reds last time out despite allowing just three earned runs over his six innings.
The other intra-city struggle on Friday has the Mets playing host to the Yankees. Mike Pelfrey (5-2, 4.74 ERA) will get the ball for the Mets in that contest; the righthander took a no-decision vs. the Rays last time out (four earned runs over five innings), and the team is just 1-3 in his last four trips to the mound. The Yankees will counter with CC Sabathia (6-4, 3.71 ERA), although the big lefthander has been dealing with a sore bicep and might end up being skipped.
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The Center of the Handicapping Universe is 9-3 the last two days including 5-1 with Wise Guy plays. Dandy Dog Pittsburgh yesterday was among them. Dandy dogs are moneyline dogs of 140 or more (includes runline getting back 140 or more). Get two Wise Guy plays among three Friday sides. Click now to purchase
Meanwhile, the Sunshine State teams will also clash on Friday, with Josh Johnson (7-1, 2.66 ERA) and the Marlins taking on James Shields (6-5, 3.36 ERA) and the Rays in Tampa Bay. Righthander Johnson has given up three or fewer earned runs in 14 of his 15 starts so far this season, and his team is 12-3 when he takes the hill. Righthander Shields beat the Mets in his last outing, but he gave up four earned runs on 12 hits in 6 2-3 innings vs. the Marlins on May 24.
Elsewhere around baseball on Friday it’ll be Washington at Baltimore, Cincinnati at Cleveland, Kansas City at Pittsburgh, Philadelphia at Toronto, Boston at Atlanta, San Diego at Texas, Detroit at Houston, Minnesota at St. Louis, the Angels at Arizona, Colorado at Oakland, and Seattle at the Dodgers. As well, the Giants will be in
Rounding out the Roundup . . .
Finally, the WNBA offers up four games on Friday night, with