The Rangers have exchanged Derek Holland for Rich Harden in their rotation, beginning on Friday when Holland faces the Twins. I’m less than blown over. Derek has been pretty mediocre this year for the Rangers (2-2, 4.76, 1.45) and a click below that over the course of his career. (10-15, 5.89 1.49). He can chip in some Ks if that’s what you need, but if you are going to ride Holland you need to be careful about picking your spots. In his last meeting with the Twins he allowed 3 runs in 1 IP of relief on May 30th. I don’t have a good feeling about this particular matchup. My advice is to steer clear.

The Tribe's opposing pitcher for tonight, Edwin Jackson has been very effective in his last three starts, posting an 0.86 ERA over 21 IP with 28 Ks and 6 walks. He threw 8 dominant innings at the Orioles on Thursday allowing just 3 hits and 2 walks while striking out 10. Overall since coming to the White Sox Jackson has posted an 0.96 ERA in 4 starts. This just in … he’s hot. Edwin also has a pretty good career resume against the Tribe, going 5-1 with a 2.56 ERA in 56.1 IP. In 2009 he made 3 starts at Progressive Field going 2-0, 1.00 in 18 total IP.

Denard Span is hitting .563 in 16 career ABs against tonight’s opposing starter Armando Galarraga … with a .611 OBP … He’s 3- for -3 against Galarraga in 2010 … I’m just saying.

Heeee’s Back … Mark Teixeira homered and went 3- for -3 in his return to the Yankees lineup on Monday. The homer is especially encouraging as you always worry about power issues following a hand injury especially with a thumb injury. Everything looks good. If you have daily transactions, get him back in.