Buehrle's Last Start?

Tonight, despite the fact Smoltz faces Lowe in the night-cap, I’ll be taking in Erik Bedard and the Orioles going up against Mark Buehrle and the White Sox in what is rumored to be his final start in the Windy City.

I still cannot fathom why Ken Williams hasn’t locked him up for the four year deal that was discussed. Even at 56 million, Buehrle has been one of the most consistent pitchers over the past few years and is just entering his prime. The White Sox will get quality prospects in return almost guaranteably but I think it’d be wiser long-term to ink him.

Enough of the diatribe. The truly hot starter going into this game is Erik Bedard. He doesn’t get the press of a lot of other big-time starters but his numbers do the talking. Bedard, since May 1, has gone 3-2 with a 2.09 ERA, dropping it from 6.09 to start May, and has had less than 7 K’s in a game only twice. This guy is for real. Paired up with Brian Burres and the burgeoning Jeremy Guthrie, these three starters have been money for the Orioles.

So, while neither team appears to be ready for playoff contention, and they look more like sellers than buyers as the deadline approaches, this match-up is one worth taking in.

And if you’re up late, don’t miss Atlanta with John Smoltz taking on Los Angeles with Derek Lowe. Another quality showdown.