Sunday Baseball

Philadelphia Phillies at Pittsburgh Pirates (-106, 9 ½)

This is a classic look-ahead situation for the Phillies. They begin a 10-game homestand on Tuesday against the Los Angeles Dodgers, the San Diego Padres and the New York Mets – all teams involved in the either the Wild Card or NL East title race.

If Philadelphia overlooks the Pirates, it could be a long day. Ian Snell is a solid starter who’d have a much better record if his bullpen could hold a lead. Offense hasn’t been a problem for the Bucs; they've scored more runs in August (121) than any other club in the majors. They’ve also clubbed out 27 homers in 17 games this month.

“Another excellent offensive game,” Pirates manager Jim Tracy told the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette after an 11-6 win on Saturday. “We are swinging the bats extremely well.”

Pick: Pirates -106

Cincinnati Reds at Milwaukee Brewers (-102, 9)

Looks like the pressure is finally starting to get to the young Brewers. They've lost 14 of their last 20 and lost the lead in a division the Little League champs could probably win.

“I’m tired of making excuses for it, I really am,” manager Ned Yost told the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. “But, realistically, we have played .500 baseball once in 15 years and now we’re focusing on winning a championship.

“That’s a big jump, with a lot of expectations. These kids are in uncharted territory for them, this time of year.”

It won’t get any easier today as the Reds send their ace Aaron Harang to the mound. Cincinnati is 19-6 in Harang's starts and 34-63 with everyone else.

Pick: Reds -106

Chicago White Sox at Seattle Mariners (-158, 8 ½)

With all the signings going on in Chicago, you’d think the White Sox were running away with their division instead of bringing up the rear, a game behind the Kansas City Royals.

General manager Ken Williams signed veteran right fielder Jermaine Dye to a two-year extension on Saturday after securing Mark Buehrle a month and a half ago.

“On the heels of a six-game losing streak, it’s awkward for me to answer the question in this fashion, but I believe we’re close,” Williams told reporters when asked if his club could make a quick turnaround next season. “Our starting rotation has been consistent, solid for the entire season, with the obvious exception of Jose (Contreras). But I expect that to improve and get better.”

Pick: Mariners –158