Tigers hope to play spoiler against White Sox

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09/06/2010 - (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - The Detroit Tigers' postseason chances have probably gone by the wayside. However, they will get a chance to play spoiler this week and open a four-game series with the playoff-hopeful Chicago White Sox at Comerica Park.

While the Tigers sit 12 games back of the Minnesota Twins in the American League Central, the White Sox are only 3 1/2 behind in the divisional race.

The White Sox won their sixth straight game on Sunday when Gordon Beckham and Juan Pierre drew the go-ahead and insurance bases-loaded walks, as Chicago staged a four- run ninth-inning rally to take a 7-5 decision over the Boston Red Sox in the finale of a three-game set from Fenway Park.

Carlos Quentin stroked a run-scoring double and Ramon Castro added an RBI single during the burst for the White Sox, who swept the set after taking both ends of a doubleheader on Saturday.

Scott Linebrink (3-1) allowed a run in the eighth but picked up the win. Matt Thornton turned in a scoreless ninth for his sixth save.

"This was a huge win for us," said Chicago manager Ozzie Guillen. "Especially the way that we were losing the game. It just shows that this team never gives up and it was big."

Heading to the hill for the White Sox this afternoon will be Edwin Jackson, who has gone 3-0 with a 1.47 ERA in five starts since arriving from Arizona on July 30.

Jackson, who pitched last season for the Tigers, defeated the Cleveland Indians on Tuesday, holding them to three runs and seven hits in 8 2/3 innings to run his overall record on the year to 9-10 to go along with a 4.37 ERA.

This will be his third start against his former team since joining the White Sox and is a perfect 3-0 lifetime against the Tigers with a 2.63 ERA in seven games, five of which have been starts.

Getting the call for the Tigers today will be hard-throwing righty Max Scherzer, who is 3-0 in his last four starts. Scherzer did not get a decision on Wednesday in Minnesota, but was terrific, as he allowed a run and four hits in nine innings. He also struck out nine in his team's 2-1 extra-inning loss.

Over his last nine starts Scherzer is 4-2 and has allowed three runs or less in each outing, surrendering one or less in seven of those games.

He did not get a decision the last time he faced the White Sox, and is 0-1 in two starts against them with a 3.14 ERA.

Detroit was denied a sweep in its series with the Kansas City Royals on Sunday, as it dropped a 2-1 decision at Kauffman Stadium.

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Problem with Bears?

Chicago, IL - New Chicago Bears quarterback Jay Cutler and star linebacker Brian Urlacher shot down reports of a rift, saying they're simply not true.

"There's nothing between us," Cutler said Thursday, when he reported to training camp. "I just want to put that to rest. There never has been anything between us."

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Urlacher added: "I never said what I was quoted as saying and that's it. I have a lot of respect for Jay. I think Jay knows that."
Former Bears receiver Bobby Wade caused a stir when he told Minneapolis radio station KFAN-AM that Urlacher used a profanity while questioning Cutler's manhood during a conversation in Las Vegas last weekend. Wade, who now plays for the Vikings, said Urlacher used a profane version of the word "wimp" during the interview that had to be edited out.
go radio station WSCR-AM also reported that Urlacher had to be restrained from confronting Cutler during organized team activities.
"I wouldn't go face-to-face with Brian, anyway," Cutler said. "No, that's never happened. I've hung out with Brian away from the facility numerous times and we've always gotten along."
Urlacher, noting he was limited by a groin injury, denied the reports in an interview with the Chicago Tribune and did it again when he reported to camp.
"I didn't practice this summer, so I don't know how I would fight the guy if I didn't practice," Urlacher said. "We have no problems. I'm excited about football starting. I'm excited to have him as our quarterback."
Why would Wade say that?
"I don't know," Urlacher said. "Maybe he's jealous because we have a good quarterback now."
Cutler said the first he heard of any friction was when he got a call from Urlacher to clear the air. Urlacher, however, said he had already taken several calls from teammates wondering if the reports were true when Cutler phoned.
"He called me and I said, What's up (expletive), what are you doing?'" a grinning Urlacher said, uttering the same word he allegedly used with Wade. "It's so dumb to me that this even got to this point, but it did and then here we are."
better place after going 9-7 and missing the playoffs for the second straight year. They have a franchise quarterback for the first time in decades after acquiring Cutler in an offseason trade with Denver. But there are questions about his attitude following a fallout with Broncos management and new coach Josh McDaniels.
His critics include former Bears coach Mike Ditka and former Indianapolis and Tampa Bay coach Tony Dungy, one of Smith's mentors. Smith, however, said Cutler has been a model teammate so far while denying any animosity with Urlacher.
"There's no issue with Jay and Brian, except Brian and Jay are both excited about being teammates for our club this year," coach Lovie Smith said. "No more than that. We can't spend a whole lot of time on something that isn't true. I have talked to the players. Whenever something comes out, you have to address it, but it's a non-issue."
In some ways, Cutler is getting a second chance in Chicago, an opportunity to repair his reputation.
Smith said another quarterback - Michael Vick - deserves one, although he doesn't see it happening with the Bears, who lack an experienced backup. The former Atlanta Falcons star, who served a 23-month sentence for running a dogfighting ring, said Thursday he is getting close to signing with a pro football team.
"A second chance, like everyone in society who has paid their debt to society," Smith said. "He deserves a second chance. As far as we're concerned, we like this team that we have right now."
Particularly the new quarterback.
"Me and Brian have been on a good relationship since I've been here, and I expect it to continue that way," Cutler said.

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