Boston @ Atlanta Weekend Series

A much anticipated series on the schedule for this year, but it couldn't have come at any worse time for the Braves. After being sweeped by the last place Marlins the Braves will begin a stretch of games against the American League East opponets. Starting tonight against the Boston Red Sox. To me it seems that MLB has always tried to force this matchup into a rivalry. Sure, it's usually big when these two meet, but is it a rivalry? Like the Braves, the BoSox are entering the series losers of four straight. Lets see if they trend will stay true throughout the weekend. Here are your probables:

Fri: Hudson (6-4 3.79) vs Jon Lester (0-0 6.23)

Sat: Ramirez (2-2 5.06) vs. Beckett (7-3 5.26)

Sun: Smoltz (4-5 3.78) vs. Schilling (9-2 3.59)

Besides the rookie Lester on the mound tonight, we've seen Beckett numerous times before, but Schilling since leaving Arizona hasn't faced most of the members of the Braves before. It's not certain that Ramirez will pitch in Saturday's game, I think he got a mild concussion after Berkman's hit. Smoltz and Schilling should be a classic duel from times past.