The Angels are a very aggresive hitting team, they teed off on Tim Hudson last night. Tino Martinez suffered the fate of many batters when he was late on the fastball, hitting into a game ending double play with the bases loaded against Robb Nen.

Result: Angels strike the first blow in the series against the A’s, while the Giants get the road trip off to a good start in St. Louis.

Today poses new challenges all over baseball. Let’s take a look.The Angels have hit lefties quite well this season. Tonight, they face Barry Zito, who has been better at home than on the road. The Angels are playing with a lot of confidence right now, despite all their injuries. Aaron Sele has given the A’s fits in the past. Anaheim has been a thorn in Zito’s side in past starts. A’s need to reassert themselves at home or else must rely on Cory Lidle tomorrow night against Texas to get the ball rolling. Art Howe is not looking forward to that possibility.

More of the same for the Tigers tonight in New York. David Wells, lefty pitches against the anemic Tiger bats. Mark Redman pitched his heart out. If Detroit had a true closer, he would have won the game. Of course, if Detroit had any vision of the future they would have a closer, but they don’t have either. Maroth can keep Tigers in the game for a while.

Jimmy Haynes will get the job done for the Reds today against Pittsburgh. Haynes gives Cincinnati a good six to seven innings each time out. Kip Wells has been steady for Pirates, but his time is about up. Jimmy Haynes for most improved pitcher in the

league.

Tom Glavine has been hit hard recently, homers and more. The Marlins are sinking quickly in the East. Julian Tavarez is a poor fifth starter. This one looks like a game which will bring a smile to Glavine’s face.

Peter Munro pitched very well last time out. Brewers have trouble with Houston. Houston needs to get their act together after a lost weekend in Pittsburgh. What better place than the home of the All Star Tie Game.

John Thomson has figured out how to pitch in Coors Field. He rarely walks anyone and doesn’t throw curves. Brian Anderson is an offensive explosion waiting to happen. It happens tonight.

Bartolo Colon versus Shawn Estes. A mismatch in favor of the Expos. Colon can throw heat while Estes makes Bobby Valentine want to throw up. The only hope for NY is to get to the Expos pen which will be difficult tonight because Colon goes deep into the game. The Expos need this game after two tough losses.

Dodgers have hit the offensive skids. Brett Tomko has pitched well. Andy Ashby is nearing a point where his season innings total will get to be scary. Dodgers need a glimpse of the Giants to break out of their lethargy. They get it tomorrow night. Not tonight.

Kenny Rogers would love to leave Texas without the rest of the Rangers following him. Rogers threw very well against the Twins last time out, tonight is a big test with many scouts in attendance. James Baldwin is due for another blow up and the Rangers just may be the ones to light the fuse tonight.

Paul Byrd takes a wind up like an old time pitcher, he double pumps before throwing or so it seems. I like it. I’d like to see him try it with a runner on third base. Jackie Robinson stole home on pitchers like that all the time. Unfortunately, the game has changed and no one tries to steal home anymore. Anyway, he is KC’s best pitcher and the apple of some team’s eyes who are looking for a starter. Mark Buehrle and Jon Garland are the only pitchers winning for the Sox. Buehrle goes tonight in what should be a low scoring game.

Matt Morris saw the look on his teammates faces when they lost last night’s game in the ninth inning. He will throw a gem tonight against the Giants. Jason Schmidt has been the Giants best pitcher, but in a close game the Cards should hang on.

Since pitchers don’t bat in the AL, Torii Hunter should not be penalized for picking up the ball and throwing it at Indian starter Danys Baez after Baez hit him in the ribs with a pitch. Hunter plunked Baez and was tossed out of the game, Bob Watson, in charge of discipline should let it go at that. He won’t but I like Hunter’s move. By the way, today is Hunter’s birthday.

I thought Vincent Padilla had a sore elbow (All Star Fiasco), he seems to be fine but these two teams (Cubs and Phillies) aren’t. Phillies can’t do much until Scott Rolen moves on and they bring up their prized prospects. Can you say rebuild? If they do, they should do it without Larry Bowa, kids and their mistakes are not his kind of team.

Another day at the park. Who knows what will happen?

Whatever does happen will certainly be interesting. It always is.