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Weekend baseball encompasses some of the best match-ups of the week. We'll break down which series you should be focused on, as well as the pitching duels that will give the advantage to either side.

New York Mets at Atlanta Braves

The first series of the defending NL East champs against the longtime winner, now looking to get back on top of the division. The Mets have the best offense in the NL, and we saw that firsthand as they swept and outscored the Cardinals, 20-2, in the season-opening series.

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This is the first go round for the fourth and fifth starters, so expect their respective bullpens to be a major factor. New York has Wagner at the end, but the middle relief still has a lot to prove. Atlanta has Bob Wickman and possible new closer Chad Paronto, who saved the Braves' opener on Monday.

The Mets' offense clearly has the edge in this one, but with a young core of talent having arrived to stay in Atlanta, the Braves can match that effort with the likes of Brian McCann and Edgar Renteria swinging the bat extremely well out of the gate.

Probable Pitching Match-ups

Friday - Oliver Perez vs. Mark Redman
Saturday - Tom Glavine vs. John Smoltz
Sunday - Orlando Hernandez vs. Kyle Davies

Chicago Cubs at Milwaukee Brewers

With St. Louis prime for a down year, the Cubbies and Brew Crew have a legit shot to take down the NL Central. Chicago spent some major coin and bought a lot talent in the off-season, none bigger than 40-40 threat Alfonso Soriano. We saw another signee Ted Lilly throw a gem on Wednesday night to notch Lou Pinella's first victory as Cubs manager.

The Brewers have looked even better, getting a wonderful outing from ace Ben Sheets in the home opener, and seeing their young lineup blossom and pay out in full effects already. Prince Fielder is a home run giant waiting to happen like his daddy, while Bill Hall, Ricky Weeks and J.J. Hardy have this team ready to explode this year.

This division is as wide open as any in baseball, but with Houston still reeling from last year and Pittsburgh too unknown at this point, these two will have the major say for the league crown.

Probable Pitching Match-ups

Friday - Rich Hill vs. Dave Bush
Saturday - Carlos Zambrano vs. Ben Sheets
Sunday - Wade Miller vs. Chris Capuano

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Seattle Mariners at Cleveland Indians

Here are two candidates for breakout team in the AL. Cleveland will compete all season to have the title as the league's best offense with New York and Boston. Seattle isn't as name worthy, but they have a load of talent, led by Ichiro, Richie Sexson and super pitcher Felix Hernandez.

And we'll get another shot to see King Felix in the series finale, looking to duplicate his flawless outing this past Monday against another young fireballer. The Mariners have looked more like the team of the late 90s, adding Jose Vidro and getting more pop from their lineup. However, they still have a long way to go to best the likes of Grady Sizemore, Travis Hafner and the Tribe's juggernaut offense that will slug their way in a pitcher-friendly AL Central.

While all of the press is on the East with the Red Sox and Yankees, look for these two teams to make some noise and vie for their respective division titles.

Probable Pitching Match-ups

Friday - Horacio Ramirez vs. Paul Byrd
Saturday - Jeff Weaver vs. C.C. Sabathia
Sunday - Felix Hernandez vs. Felix Carmona