Two Intriguing Monday Matchups

There are two games seriously worth watching on Monday. Unfortunately, they’re being played at the same time:

American League

• Twins at Mariners, 7:05 p.m. PT — Johan Santana? Felix Hernandez? One potential sticking point for Seattle is that lefties are hitting Hernandez pretty hard (.303/.368/.530) this year; that could be a problem against a team that features two potent left-handed bats in Joe Mauer and Justin Morneau. Seems to me maybe Hernandez could use an off-speed pitch. Who better to watch than Santana?

National League

• Astros at Dodgers, 7:10 p.m. PT — Yeah, only minor playoff implications here, but your other option is to watch the Giants and Pirates. Potentially good pitching matchup here. Roy Oswalt is enjoying another brilliant season, although he’s not faring well (5.52 ERA, .300/.361/.482) away from home this year. Actually, Oswalt’s ERA has been higher on the road every season since he arrived in the big leagues back in 2001, although usually the split has been less pronounced than it is this year. On the other side, youngster Chad Billingsley attempts to stop the bleeding for the fourth-place Dodgers, who are 11-17 since the All-Star break and who have been shut out 4 times in 11 August games.

Happy Monday, folks. Play ball!