S3F High-Heat Matchup: Tigers vs Braves (6/24, ESPN, 8 PM EST)

[missionhockey21]

Two young pitchers square off in this third High-Heat Matchup. Chuck James has been steady of late, with four quality starts in his past eight games, but his control can be a bit off and thus he can throw a few too many pitches and leave the night earlier than he should. Miller for the Tigers, has been successful since his callup to the club after being their number one pick in the 2006 draft, although his last start against the Phillies wasn't the greatest, Leyland and the Tigers have enough faith in him to continue developing at the MLB level it seems.

As for other game notes, the Braves as of late have been more of a soap opera than a baseball team it seems with their current slump. They look to avoid the sweep after some of the various newsworthy notes that have come out of this matchup, such as Braves manager Bobby Cox tying John McGraw for career most ejections. John Smoltz has indirectly called out Chipper Jones for being on the bench while the other guys in the lineup are "busting their butts," his teammate of 14 years. Jones has commented back, again indirectly, that someone better not miss a start. And while the Braves are hoping to remain above .500 despite the catty remarks being made and typical Cox ejections, the Tigers (as always) are trying to keep Cleveland below their reign on the AL Central.

It should be a good matchup if both James and Miller bring their A game.

If you have predictions, let's hear them.

[Providence A's]

checking in...just got home from a disappointing effort by the A's at Shea...I'll be here. I predict the Tigers win by a handful.

[DravenX]

The Braves better get out of this losing streak they are on and win this game. They need to go on a big winning streak.

[A'sDiehard]

The Braves better get out of this losing streak they are on and win this game. They need to go on a big winning streak.

After a brief surge now the A's are struggling as well.

I'll be in and out but should be around. I have three fantasy players going in this game so I'm hoping for a slugfest.

[DravenX]

AJ needs to come out of his long slump as well. I won't be watching since I'm always at work when we have these matchups but I have it set to record.

[A'sDiehard]

I'm not digging those red Braves uni's.

[Providence A's]

no score after 1 inning. I think the Braves just wear those on Sundays...I'm not sure though.

[A'sDiehard]

This weekend sucked (as an A's fan) and I'm washing it down with some St Pauli Girl.

I need Polanco, Ordonez and Francour to go nuts tonight.

[Providence A's]

c'mon...let's see some offense!

[A'sDiehard]

Woodward caught looking.

Yay.

I need to see a 500 foot shot.

[redsrbetter]

Sorry I am late fellas, got caught up with having dinner after a long day of landscaping at my wife's grandfather's house.

But I am here now. Time to watch some baseball.

[realmofotalk]

I'm glad that the Angels game was on TV earlier today instead of the Dodgers game. The TV screen is safe for today.

[redsrbetter]

Nice snag by Chip there.

[redsrbetter]

I'm glad that the Angels game was on TV earlier today instead of the Dodgers game. The TV screen is safe for today.

Getting aggravated much?

[redsrbetter]

Draven? Whats up with your Braves tonight bro? Tough game in their sites.