Toronto @ Chicago preview

Last Meeting ( Sep 26, 2011 ) Toronto 3, Chi. White Sox 4

THE STORY: One era has already ended in the Windy City, and another could be drawing to a close Tuesday as the Chicago White Sox host the Toronto Blue Jays in the second of a three-game series at U.S. Cellular Field. With Ozzie Guillen out as manager of the club, Mark Buehrle makes what could be his final start with the White Sox. He'll oppose Toronto rookie Henderson Alvarez, who is looking to make a good final impression as he battles for consideration in next year's rotation.

TV: 8:10 p.m. ET, RSN (Toronto), WCIU (Chicago)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Blue Jays RH Henderson Alvarez (1-2, 3.65 ERA) vs. White Sox LH Mark Buehrle (12-9, 3.72 ERA).

Alvarez appears to be a strong candidate for a spot in Toronto's 2012 starting staff. The 21-year-old fireballer has thrown quality starts in five of his nine major league outings, holding opponents to a respectable .263 average. His control has been the most impressive aspect of his repertoire; Alvarez has issued just eight walks in 56 2/3 innings, a remarkable total for a young pitcher.

Buehrle is set to become a free agent at season's end, and is expected to draw considerable interest from teams in need of a veteran lefthander. The 32-year-old is sixth on the franchise list with 160 career victories, and has a perfect game to his credit. Buehrle ended a three-game losing skid last time out, limiting Cleveland to a pair of runs over six innings in an 8-4 triumph over the Indians.

ABOUT THE BLUE JAYS (80-80): Few teams in major-league history have played .500 baseball the way the 2011 Toronto Blue Jays have. Monday's series-opening defeat dropped the Jays back to even for the season, the 32nd time Toronto has been at the .500 mark. The Blue Jays haven't been more than four games over .500 for the year, nor have they been more than five games below. Unfortunately, that spells doom in an American League East featuring three of the top five teams in the AL. With general manager Alex Anthopoulos lauded for his shrewd deals and strong draft record - and with team owner Rogers expected to expand payroll in the coming seasons - Toronto will be looked upon to fare much better in the near future.

ABOUT THE WHITE SOX (78-82): Chicago wasted no time addressing rumors that Guillen was headed out of town, issuing a statement seconds after Monday's final pitch stating that the temperamental manager had been released from his contract. Guillen, known for his outrageous tantrums and showdowns with players, media and even his own general manager, spent eight seasons with the White Sox - and would have liked to extend his stay. It was clear after a meeting with team owner Jerry Reinsdorf - who refused to give Guillen a contract extension - that the manager's days in Chicago were numbered. Guillen may not be looking for work long; he has been linked to the managerial position in Florida, with octogenarian Jack McKeon retiring at season's end.

FINAL PITCH: Guillen was the Marlins' third-base coach for their 2003 championship season. McKeon was the manager of that club.