Josh Willingham | Oakland Athletics | 34.6%

Interleague play is back again this week and finding matchups with history just gets that more difficult. Josh Willingham has had his ups and downs this season but when you’re the only offensive threat in the lineup the blame doesn’t fallen directly on Willingham. This week Willingham get a shot at NL East, the only other division he’s played for in his career.

First Willingham gets the joy of hitting in the massive piece of land they call Citi Field. In 12 starts at Bernie Madoff’s old stomping grounds Willingham is hitting a decent .256 with 2 home runs and 6 RBI. Those numbers are rather consistent with Willingham’s career numbers but the .368 average with 4 home runs and 10 RBI in 57 at bats against current Mets pitchers is why Willingham gets the nod this week. Additionally, if your league goes a little further in stats Willingham has a .463 OBP and 1.147 OPS against current Mets starters.

Willingham’s second matchup of the week is against the Philadelphia Phillies. Word is the Phils are looking for a veteran right-handed outfielder so this matchup may be an audition for Willingham to become the front runner for the position.  Against current Phillies pitchers Willingham is hitting a solid .307 with 4 home runs and 16 RBI. What’s even better for Willingham owners is that in 31 starts at Citizens Bank Ballpark Willingham has hit 10 home runs while driving in 22. If this is in fact an audition, and Willingham does well, the Phillies may decide to trade for Willingham which would only increase his value.

Gordon Beckham | Chicago White Sox | 69.9 %

So far this season it is fair to say that Beckham’s 2011 has been a bust. Expected by many to revert to the hitting ways from his rookie campaign, Beckham has seemed to catch the slump going around the White Sox clubhouse. Encouraging news for Beckham owners is that he seems to be turning the corner and has favorable matchups this week.

In his last 21 games, Beckham is hitting .309 with 3 home runs 8 RBI and a steal. This week he will try and continue the pace against the cross town Cubs. Beckham owns Cubs pitchers hitting .435 against current Cubs hurlers and is getting on base at a .519 clip.

His second matchup is against the Washington Nationals. Beckham does not have many at bats against Nat’s pitchers but is hitting a respectable .286 against the club. The fact that the series against the Nationals is at home for Beckham will keep the lineup in tact not having to use NL rules.

Jhonny Peralta | Detroit Tigers | 100%

Peralta has been great this year. His numbers are even better when you consider his shortstop eligibility and his draft position. But this week it seems like it’ll be a better idea to keep him on the bench.

Peralta is first scheduled to take on the Dodgers in LA. In his career against Dodger pitchers Peralta is hitting only .188. Another difficulty Peralta may face is that the Tigers may try Alex Avila at third base and move V-Mart behind the plate during interleague play which may limit Peralta’s at bats.

In his second series against the NL Peralta gets the D-Backs. Peralta has never played at Chase field and has a career .273 against the D-Backs. Most of that damage came off of Joe Saunders who if everything stays intact, the Tigers will miss. If you take out Peralta’s numbers against Saunders, he is hitting .148 without an extra base hit or RBI against current D-Backs pitchers.

Jeff Francoeur | Kansas City Royals | 93.3%

Jeff Francoeur has a bit of resurgence this season. He seems to be cooling off however, and in his last 11 games Francoeur hitting under the Mendoza line at .182.

In his first series of the week Francoeur is scheduled to face the D-Backs. Against current D-Backs pitchers Francoeur is hitting under .250. I have been one of Francoeur’s biggest doubters and it seems as though he is coming back to life.