It’s good to be able to write about a decent selection of early games after last week’s slim pickings.  We start with two early games today, then have a two-day break before eight games on Thursday and an early game from Wrigley Field on Friday.

All times are listed in British Summer Time. 

Monday 8 June

19.05. Tigers @ White Sox – Galaragga (3-6), Buehrle (6-2)
19.15. Rockies @ Cardinals – Marquis (7-4), Thompson (0-1)

We have two early games to start the week.  The Tigers-White Sox game is the first of a double-header being played at the Cell.  Mark Buerhle has really been in great form this season, while Armando Galaragga has improved of late after a shaky May.  The game from the Senior circuit sees Jason Marquis taking on one of his former teams.  Brad Thompson is likely to take the injured Kyle Lohse’s place.

Tuesday 9 June

There are no early games tomorrow, but later on we have a flame-throwing duel in the white-hot heat of the Yankees-Red Sox rivalry.  Former Marlins teamates A.J. Burnett and Josh Beckett match up in what should be a cracker.  First pitch it set for 00.10.

Wednesday 10 June

We draw a blank again on Wednesday.  The later games should include outings from Jair Jurrjens (00.00 versus the Pirates), Felix Hernandez (00.05 versus the Orioles), John Lackey (00.08 versus the Rays), Carlos Zambrano (01.05 versus the Astros), Clayton Kershaw (03.10 versus the Padres) and two very promising pitching match-ups: Hamels-Pelfrey (00.10) and Verlander-Danks (01.11).

Thursday 11 June

17.10. Cardinals @ Marlins – Wellemeyer (5-6), Miller (2-2)
18.00. Pirates @ Braves – Maholm (4-2), Vazquez (4-5)
19.05. Cubs @ Astros – Dempster (4-3), Hampton (4-4)
19.05. Rockies @ Brewers – Cook (4-3), Gallardo (6-2)
19.05. Tigers @ White Sox – Jackson (6-3), Floyd (4-5)
20.35. Twins @ A’s – Blackburn (5-2), Cahill (3-5)
20.40. Giants @ D-Backs – Sanchez (2-5), Scherzer
21.35. Reds @ Nationals – Owings (3-7), Martis (5-1)*

‘Getaway’ Thursday brings us eight games to enjoy.  Javier Vazquez’s 4-5 record doesn’t reflect how well he has pitched so far this season for the Braves, a fact known all too well by his fantasy owners (yes, including myself).  Mike Hampton has had two strong outings in a row for the Astros, while Edwin Jackson has looked an inspired signing by the Tigers.  As for Trevor Cahill, he is making strides every time he takes the mound and hopefully he will continue that form against the Twins.  And of course there is Dutch pitcher Shairon Martis, who is exceeding expectations for the Nationals (* scheduled pitcher changed – see comments).

Friday 12 June

19.20. Twins @ Cubs – Slowey (8-2), Wells (0-2)

It’s Interleague play yet again and a home game for the Cubs means we get an early game to begin the weekend.

All the above games can be followed via various resources on MLB.com (Gameday, Gameday Audio and MLB.tv), while ESPN America’s MLB schedule can be found here.