Defeat the Empire

If you're a baseball fan, you have to be interest in the upcoming series between the White Sox and the Indians.

Cleveland can't be much hotter than they are right now. After starting slowly, they are an amazing 38-15 since July 23rd. They are comprised of a bunch of kids who are afraid of nothing, a manager who's yet to turn 40, and a pitching staff that compares with the best in the American League.

On the other hand, the White Sox have to be doubting themselves. Everyone expected a cool-down from their scorching start to the season, but they've played sub-.500 ball since mid-July. If they want to avoid one of the most momumental collapses in Chicago history, stepping up this week against upstart Cleveland is a necessity.

Monday, 8:05 ET: Millwood (8-11, 3.02) @ Garcia (12-8, 3.96)

Nobody's had tougher luck than Kevin Millwood in 2005. His ERA suggests that he should be approaching the high teens in wins by now, but poor run support and blown wins by the bullpen have given him a pedestrian 8-11 record. Freddy Garcia has been solid all year, but his 1-4 record since the trade dealine is troubling.

Analysis: Due to Millwood's bad luck, I give a slight edge to the White Sox in game one. Expect a low-scoring affair.

Tuesday, 8:05 ET: Westbrook (15-14, 4.56) @ Buehrle (15-7, 3.21)

This is a case of two starters heading in opposite directions. Westbrook started off 6-12, only to go 9-2 since. And Buehrle, once the Cy Young favorite, is 5-6 since winning 10 of his first 11 decisions. Still, Westbrook is 0-3 against Chicago this season and Buehrle 2-0 against Cleveland.

Analysis: Despite the discrepancies in the numbers of the two pitchers, I think Westbrook has become a microcasm of the Indians team: a no-name who started off cold and now is afraid of nobody. I'll take Cleveland in game two.

Wednesday, 8:05 ET: Elarton (10-7, 4.57) @ Garland (17-9, 3.41)

The final of this series looks like a mismatch. Elarton has been a decent no. 4 type starter who gives you some innings and a chance to win; Garland has been an ace despite cooling down lately. Also, Elarton has really struggled against the Sox this year in two starts, and Garland has dominated the Indians to the tune of a 2-0, 2.84 mark in two starts.

Analysis: I wouldn't be surprise if Cleveland can pull it off, but game 3 favors the ChiSox by a good amount on paper. Chicago wins game 3, and takes 2 of 3 in the series.