Game 157: White Sox @ Twins
by Jesse on Sep 23, 2008 6:38 PM EDT
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PrintChicago White Sox at Minnesota Twins, Sep 23, 2008 8:10 PM EDT
By the numbers, here are some key match-ups which will give us a cursory idea of strengths, weaknesses and marginal advantages.
Starters
| Team | IP | WHIP | K/9 | P/PA | Avg | Obp | Slg |
| Twins | 920.2 | 1.36 | 5.54 | 3.65 | .284 | .324 | .444 |
| White Sox | 952.1 | 1.30 | 6.68 | 3.74 | .261 | .316 | .415 |
Some of these numbers are still inflated by Livan Hernandez, but there's no denying Chicago has seen some good years coming from their rotation. They do a decent job of keeping hitters off-balance by having finesse pitchers mixed with guys who can rack up some strikeouts. The Twins have strong performers at the front of their rotation in Francisco Liriano and Scott Baker, but the Sox have a bit more experience and are still having the better season overall. Also, the Sox won't have to face Liriano this series. Advantage: White Sox
Relievers
| Team | IP | WHIP | K/9 | P/PA | Avg | Obp | Slg |
| Twins | 475.1 | 1.36 | 7.23 | 3.74 | .259 | .326 | .414 |
| White Sox | 434.2 | 1.35 | 7.91 | 3.82 | .257 | .327 | .394 |
Matt Thornton, Octavio Dotel, Bobby Jenks; three solid and reliable relief pitchers that on any given night can be counted on to shut down an offense. It's hard to come up with a list of three names on the Twins side that can do the same thing, in spite of the fact that according to the little chart both bullpens come out pretty even. There's Joe Nathan, of course. Then Jesse Crain, who hasn't been used in almost a week but has generally been effective. Oh, and Craig Breslow, he can be counted too. Sadly, given the option, if asked which three I'd prefer to entrust a three-run lead to it'd be Thornton-Dotel-Jenks. I feel like a traitor. Advantage: White Sox
Other Match-Ups of Note
Chicago Hitters VS RHP: .267/.333/.446 With all three Twins hurlers being righties, I thought this significant. It's not horribly encouraging, but in addition to familiarity breeding contempt, hate, jealousy and sometimes boredom, it also breeds the ability to pick apart flaws. Hopefully Baker, Blackburn and Slowey can do just that.
Twins Best VS LHP This is always important. This season, it's Joe Mauer (.959 OPS), Matt Macri (.917), Denard Span (.897), Justin Morneau (.793), Adam Everett (.773) and Delmon Young (.771).
Twins Hitters VS Chicago: .273/.333/.417 That's not too bad, especially considering who's likely to see a lot of playing time in the series. All of the following have an OPS of .828 or higher against the Sox this season: Justin Morneau, Michael Cuddyer, Joe Mauer, Jason Kubel, Nick Punto, Carlos Gomez and Mike Redmond.
White Sox On Turf: .227/.285/.361 I like this one. We'll end on a high note.
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Vazquez...
…his record, ERA, and walks on turf really make this look a little more encouraging. Hopefully the Twins can take advantage of this and make Ozzie get out of his seat tonight. I want to see a complete meltdown for the entire series! Go TWINS!!! Summer of Stun!!! Lets let fate decide this one! Remember who won the 87, 91, 08 Super Bowls? Remember who won the 87, 91, 08? World Series. Go TWINS!!
Let's win tonight!!!
We need a big game from Scott Baker and a little help from his friends. WIN TWINS!!
Are you staying up for the whole thing, Jesse?
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Sadly, no.
I have to go to bed…work in the morning.
Enjoy the game, though! I’ll be catching it tomorrow!!
Pfh, call in sick. Who cares if you're up until 3?
This is a relatively big game.
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by Andersklasen on Sep 23, 2008 7:23 PM EDT up reply actions
Haha...relatively?
It’s a massive game. I wish I could call in, but it’s just not in the cards.
Catch you tomorrow duder!
Sounds good, sleep well!
And never call me “duder” again. :)
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by Andersklasen on Sep 23, 2008 7:24 PM EDT up reply actions
It is tempting to stay up though...
…this is a HUGE game…I’m so excited I don’t know if I’ll be able to sleep anyway…but I have to try.
Peace out, TT!!
Hopefully you will
wake up to a Twins Victory tomorrow Jesse! G’Night and GO TWINS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Calls
1—Scott Baker, 6 IP, 8 H, 3 R, 5 K, 1 BB
2—HR’s from Delmon Young, Justin Morneau
3—Big defensive play from Denard Span
Calls
1 – Scott Baker, 6 IP, 9 H, 3 R, 4 K, 0 BB
2 – HR from Morneau
3 – Gomez, 3-4 with 2B, 2 RBI
4 – Great Defense
5 – Win? 5-3; Lose? 6-3
My calls
1—Scott Baker, 8 IP, 5 H, 1 R, 8 K, 3 BB
2—No home runs in the game
3—Carlos Gomez, 2 SB, 0 R
Twins 2, White Sox 1
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by Andersklasen on Sep 23, 2008 7:29 PM EDT up reply actions
Any pre-game rituals that we need to do?
All while pounding on wood, of course.
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None? I'm pouring the Sierra Mist down my throat by the gallon-full.
Hey, anything for the Twins, right?
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by Andersklasen on Sep 23, 2008 7:37 PM EDT up reply actions
anyone breaking out the gear
like it’s the playoffs?
Home cap, home jersey, glove on the coffee table?
Jobu statue on the mantle?
I'm nervous and want something to divert my attention for the last couple of minutes.
Anyone up to date on Vikings football?
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CALLED 3RD STRIKE
Beautiful 1 IP 2 K’s. Keep it up Baker. Now let’s give him an early lead
Peyton's good but have you ever heard of Jeff George?
HELL YES
GO KUBEL!!!!!!
Peyton's good but have you ever heard of Jeff George?
2-2 to Kubel...
…and he HOMERS!
2-1 Twins!
KUBEL!
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Let's keep this going.
Let’s keep Vazquez on the ropes tonight. I smell the Chicago bullpen!
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by Andersklasen on Sep 23, 2008 8:42 PM EDT up reply actions
This is what I projected the final score to be.
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That's Gomez's job...
If he screws this up I’ll shoot myself in the lip.
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by Andersklasen on Sep 23, 2008 8:46 PM EDT up reply actions
Darn it!
I forgot to knock on wood. Anway, a sacrifice from Gomez puts two in scoring position for Denard Span.
Two outs. This could be the last opportunity we receive in a while. Here’s hoping we take advantage of it.
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by Andersklasen on Sep 23, 2008 8:48 PM EDT up reply actions
Little Nicky Punto!
Singles! Runners on the corners with one out.
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Smell 'em
Peyton's good but have you ever heard of Jeff George?
Span grounds out...
Inning over.
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Could have
used a couple more runs there. Span grounded out with two in scoring position.
by Alexi Casilla All-Star on Sep 23, 2008 8:50 PM EDT reply actions
Let's go Baker
The Twins have a lead, now hold it!
by Alexi Casilla All-Star on Sep 23, 2008 8:54 PM EDT reply actions
Mauer concentration
Catching the ball and tossing his mask to the ump in one smooth motion
Peyton's good but have you ever heard of Jeff George?
He isn't every other game?
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by Andersklasen on Sep 23, 2008 8:56 PM EDT up reply actions
I just thought it was funny
I don’t think he meant to toss his mask to the ump but he happened to catch it. Just was amusing to me, small minds are easily amused.
Peyton's good but have you ever heard of Jeff George?
Good battle
between Baker and AJ.
by Alexi Casilla All-Star on Sep 23, 2008 8:59 PM EDT reply actions
We win
Peyton's good but have you ever heard of Jeff George?
15 pitches
that A.J. has seen. Damn, he’s starting to piss me off.
Peyton's good but have you ever heard of Jeff George?
Two easy outs
from Casilla and Mauer
by Alexi Casilla All-Star on Sep 23, 2008 9:05 PM EDT reply actions
Let's not get complacent
Damn, that was a sad inning out of our 2 3 4 spots.
Peyton's good but have you ever heard of Jeff George?
3 4 5
Every time I get to see those 3 sit down I feel much better.
Peyton's good but have you ever heard of Jeff George?
Nice
SLIDE YOUNG SLIDE.
I shouldn’t criticize him especially tonight but damn dude, just about had a needless out there because he wouldn’t just get down.
Peyton's good but have you ever heard of Jeff George?
There ya go
That’s how it’s done :)
Peyton's good but have you ever heard of Jeff George?
Agreed
Especially with all those home run hitters playing for the guys with black unis and white stockings.
by Alexi Casilla All-Star on Sep 23, 2008 9:38 PM EDT up reply actions
Clayton Richard
It’s always nice to see a guy with a 6 + ERA start warming up in the opponents bullpen
Peyton's good but have you ever heard of Jeff George?
Lets Go JOE
And before I’m done typing Justin Morneau extends the lead.
Peyton's good but have you ever heard of Jeff George?
M V P M V P M V P M V P
Peyton's good but have you ever heard of Jeff George?
Brian Buscher
I’d really like to see a review of his defensive #‘s anyone know where to find those? I don’t know a ton about defensive #‘s but damn, he’s looked pretty good to me other than a few errant throws from time to time.
Peyton's good but have you ever heard of Jeff George?
I say steal
A. J. s got no arm. Steal so we’re out of the double play
Peyton's good but have you ever heard of Jeff George?
remember CF is the easiest position in the OF
as long as you still have some wheels… but Junior… his wheels are not as young as they used to be
...Which was evident prior to trading for him
by Chuck Tweedy on Sep 23, 2008 10:05 PM EDT up reply actions
yup
it was a move to just get the team in the papers but it didn’t make sense then and it may make even less sense at the end of the season
Hopefully
They brought Jr. in just to educate the team on off-season icing techniques
by Chuck Tweedy on Sep 23, 2008 10:15 PM EDT up reply actions
91 pitches
I say send him out for one more inning
Peyton's good but have you ever heard of Jeff George?
Lookin' good
Six run lead with nine outs to get. I’ll count the outs no matter how many runs the Twins are ahead.
by Alexi Casilla All-Star on Sep 23, 2008 10:07 PM EDT reply actions
BTW
New York Yankees: DEAD. I’ve been waiting quite a while to say that.
by Alexi Casilla All-Star on Sep 23, 2008 10:09 PM EDT reply actions
So refreshing
to have the playoffs minus NY
Can you imagine the “last playoff game/series/game 7/hot dog sold” talk that would’ve come to the playoffs with the Yankees and their stadium?
by Chuck Tweedy on Sep 23, 2008 10:12 PM EDT up reply actions
What do you mean
Last game at Yankee Stadium? Did they get a new building or something? I just wish someone would have told me ahead of time so I would have adequate time to prepare…
I hear they are going to share a stadium w/ the Mets
after all 1 city can’t possibly afford 2 new stadiums
that's the big question now...
Do you send Baker out for the 7th? 92 pitches and struggled in the 5th. Then again he’s got the latter half of the lineup coming up in the 7th. I say put him in for another.
by montanatwinsfan on Sep 23, 2008 10:12 PM EDT reply actions
Put Him IN!!!
He got out of the big jam and is looking great. His pitches are on target and are stumping the white sox
Way to go Twins!
Lets go Baker! I just hope that the Twins havent used up all their bullets again…I saw this in Tampa, but we are home so we will perform!
that was acrobatic
and Jack Morris is trying to point out once again that the pitchers are the best athletes on the field….haha
It'd be great to see...
But why not let Joe get any kinks out at home and with a 6 run lead?
by Chuck Tweedy on Sep 23, 2008 10:24 PM EDT up reply actions
Fantastic inning
Nice to see our boys lift ’em out of the park while they whiff
by Chuck Tweedy on Sep 23, 2008 10:28 PM EDT up reply actions
Crain
I like putting him in. He’s had a nice break, here’s a low stress chance for him to get some work before we have to use him in a higher pressure situation
Peyton's good but have you ever heard of Jeff George?
Breaking story
Jesse still needs to start getting people out…
It would be a BIG mistake if he allows Chicago to score a run here, don’t give them anything positive to carry to tomorrows game!
True
We need to keep them down and out. Especially facing Buerhle tomorrow. Let’s hope we can kick his ass too.
Peyton's good but have you ever heard of Jeff George?
For the season
Those home run totals are: White Sox 223, Twins 111.
by Alexi Casilla All-Star on Sep 23, 2008 10:35 PM EDT reply actions
Dead man pitching Buerhle is always tough
Twins need to end on a positive and keep Chicago pressing, put that doubt in their heads…
Buerhle
With a left starting and Kubel slamming the ball today it will be interesting to see if they start him again tomorrow.
Peyton's good but have you ever heard of Jeff George?
I am sure they will
Gardy will send out the exact same lineup tomorrow I am sure…..we need our best hitting lineup in there against ChiSox
According to Joe C.
Gardy says Cuddy is starting tomorrow against Buerhle. That was before tonight’s performance though.
Morneau had a record setting night!
Morneau got his 47th double tying Marty Cordova who hit 47 in 1996
Game 1 objective
Make sure the guys in the other dugout don’t clinch in your house. Check.
by Alexi Casilla All-Star on Sep 23, 2008 10:55 PM EDT reply actions
Game 2 Objective
Assure that you end the series closer than when you started.
by Alexi Casilla All-Star on Sep 23, 2008 10:56 PM EDT up reply actions
STATEMENT GAME
Those Stun ’Em Twins showed up tonight and the series got off right
Tomorrow should be fun…
Game 3 Objective
Take the lead.
by Alexi Casilla All-Star on Sep 23, 2008 10:56 PM EDT reply actions
Summer of Stun
And the Hot Stun in the Summertime, The Twinkies Made a damn Statement Tonight, Great Job Boys.
The Twins made a statement tonight with scoring 9 runs
and surprisingly out-homered the Sox 3-1….but tomorrow is another day. And we all know our beloved Twins…you score 7 runs one night and win, then the next night (I am not sure if they get cocky or what) they score 2 runs and lose. I am hoping for another big offensive outburst tomorrow but more importantly, Blackburn needs to shut out the Sox and keep the ball in the park.
that has to change tomorrows
they don’t have too many tomorrows left so all that crap has to end here.
The Twins showed what they can do, tomorrow they need to come out with the same intensity, they got to show some killer instinct and put Chicago out.
cue – “eye of the tiger”
Main Objective for Tomorrows game?
Blackburn must keep control of the game…mixing in his pitches effectively and keeping the ShitSox off balance.
Do NOT let Mark Buerle get into a groove because then he is pretty dominating…Twins hitters have to come out swinging. Gomez hits Buerle REALLY well (cycle, something like 9-10 career off Buerle). Put pressure on Buerle with the running game, bunting game, and then of course our power hitters, Kubs and Doc can hit a few out.
Gotta hope for a better night for Span and Casilla
having the 8, 9, and 1 and 2 hitters putting pressure will be big…
Don’t give Chicago a chance to get their feet under them
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