Game 158: White Sox @ Twins
by Jesse on Sep 24, 2008 5:57 PM EDT
in Game Threads
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PrintChicago White Sox at Minnesota Twins, Sep 24, 2008 8:10 PM EDT
Pregame
HA! Six months ago, I'd have thought all my wildest and unrealistic dreams had come true if you'd told me that at game 158...GAME 158...the Twins would still be in the picture. Just goes to show that I've still got a ways to go before I make the Brain Trust.
With last night's big win still fresh in our minds we move onto the next step. A loss tonight erases everything and not only erases the bit of progress we did make, but the hammer comes down as far as time is concerned. The Twins are still out of it, time that is, which makes this game as much of a "must win" as the series opener. One intangible that I do like: this is Chicago's division to lose. Minnesota has second place, there's nowhere to go but up. I like to think that the additional pressure that's on the Sox is our advantage, particularly in the Dome.
Making the biggest start of his professional career is Nick Blackburn, who's coming off of two lack luster starts in a row. His ERA has ballooned nearly half a run over those two appearances, which is only a by-product of how hittable he's been. Indeed, five days ago in Tampa when Blackburn couldn't get out of the second inning for the second time this season, he even had a difficult time throwing strikes. To find his groove again, much like Stella, he needs to not just start throwing with confidence again, but he needs to start hitting his spots and getting movement back on those breaking balls. When you can't throw the breaking ball for strikes (or anything else for that matter), it's a long night for any pitcher, and for a guy with stuff like Blackburn it's even more important that he has his full arsenal available. Tonight I'd like to think we'll get the best of Nick Blackburn. Don't touch that dial, kids.
On the other side, it's Mark Buehrle:
Mark Buehrle: Over his last four starts he's been Mega-Man for Chicago, lasting 25.1 innings and allowing just six earned runs. Over the years he's been Mega-Man for Chicago against the Twins--he's an arch nemesis that's familiar and leaves a bad taste in your mouth, and only a win can wash it away until the next time. Much like Vazquez, he's tougher on righties and he's tougher at home, which means that in a world where I'm looking for any possible edge to give the Twins I'm coming up with another easy one. No surprise to anyone, Buehre is having a good season, but there are two things I've noticed that are much different than last season. First, he's throwing harder; every one of his pitches has a bit of extra kick this year. Second, he's getting more ground balls (48.7%, up from 43.2% in 2007). For what it's worst, he's 1-2 against the Twins this season--one great start and a pair that he'd probably like to forget.
Game two of the playoffs kicks off momentarily.
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DITTO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Blackie needs to leave it all here tonight. We need to go into the series with the Royals with the lead in the division. Then we need to stomp the bluebloods. But, for right now… GO TWINS….
Lineup Widget Still Not Ready...
Lineups
Chicago
Wise, LF
Cabrera, SS
Dye, RF
Thome, DH
Konerko, 1B
Griffey, CF
Ramirez, 2B
Pierzynski, C
Uribe, 3B
Twins
Span, RF
Casilla, 2B
Mauer, C
Morneau, 1B
Kubel, DH
Young, LF
Harris, 3B
Punto, SS
Gomez, CF
rolling out the same lineup
as yesterday except Harris is in at 3B instead of Buscher….heres to hoping they win!
I am sorry guys but I will have to deprive you of my Human Gameday abilities for 20 minutes of this game! I must eat you know!
oh Jesse
come on….you know you wouldnt miss Tea Time ;)
But never fear…I shall return and lead the troops to victory with my fast fingers updating everybody on the war front!
You staying up for this one? or are you going to go to bed yet again? I vote for the go to bed personally because then the Twins might score 9 runs again! jk….you do whatever you want!
I'll be up for a bit of this one...
…hopefully the first couple of innings. I’d hate to curse them by actually watching one live!
I have mixed feelings about this game
I feel either the Twins will basically get no hit because Buerle will just be as sharp as a razor and we will lose 3-0 or we will kill Buerle, slashing out hits, and knocking him out of the game in the 4th inning and go on to win 8-2.
I hope its my second feeling that will be the correct one!
seconded!
.5 games back call boys!!!!!!!!!!! (knocking on wood)
“Jump on my back and I will carry you!” – Kirby Puckett R.I.P. We need somebody to say that tonight!…and for the rest of the season!
I think it's Morneau's turn, buddy
At least I hope it is.
"I don't care about feelings." - Lou Piniella
by natetheskate on Sep 24, 2008 8:08 PM EDT up reply actions
3 run Jack
just missed a 3 run homer there…….unfortunately Griffey robbed him…is that even possible? He must have skied it so that way Griffey could get under it.
Blackburn made a mistake there
he fielded that ball when it was going foul and thus let Thomer score.
We are tied at 1
mistake there by Punto
he could have easily had Uribe out at first but he didnt throw the ball…off the glove of Blackburn and it dribbled to Punto but he decided to hold the ball and not to throw to first and get Uribe by about 10 feet.
Who exactly is he playing for?
Thomer scoring was on a bunch of mistakes
Span not throwing the ball into second to get Thomer out by a few feet at second…he would have had Thomer dead but he didnt throw it in. Punto went to first and a grounder to him and didnt attempt to get Thomer going to third. Blackburn fielding a squibber that was going foul and tagged out Griffey instead of letting it go foul and leaving Thomer at third
YES!!!
Wise: K’d
Atta boy Blackburn. Now this offense needs to pick that run back up, let’s go boys!
Whew!
"I don't think it's nice, you laughin'. See, my mule don't like people laughing. He gets the crazy idea you're laughing at him. Now if you apologize, like I know you're going to, I might convince him that you really didn't mean it . . ."
by Skippy tastes better than Jiff on Sep 24, 2008 8:41 PM EDT reply actions
They didn't paly well that inning but survived with one run.
That folks was not heads up baseball.
"I don't think it's nice, you laughin'. See, my mule don't like people laughing. He gets the crazy idea you're laughing at him. Now if you apologize, like I know you're going to, I might convince him that you really didn't mean it . . ."
by Skippy tastes better than Jiff on Sep 24, 2008 8:41 PM EDT reply actions
*play
"I don't think it's nice, you laughin'. See, my mule don't like people laughing. He gets the crazy idea you're laughing at him. Now if you apologize, like I know you're going to, I might convince him that you really didn't mean it . . ."
by Skippy tastes better than Jiff on Sep 24, 2008 8:42 PM EDT reply actions
How did he bunt that?
It looked like it was 9 feet inside.
"I don't think it's nice, you laughin'. See, my mule don't like people laughing. He gets the crazy idea you're laughing at him. Now if you apologize, like I know you're going to, I might convince him that you really didn't mean it . . ."
by Skippy tastes better than Jiff on Sep 24, 2008 8:46 PM EDT reply actions
Haha...I wish, dude.
I have to work in the morning, but I seriously HAD to catch part of this game LIVE. I’m hoping to make it through the 3rd before I crash!
Span has stepped it up today.
"I don't think it's nice, you laughin'. See, my mule don't like people laughing. He gets the crazy idea you're laughing at him. Now if you apologize, like I know you're going to, I might convince him that you really didn't mean it . . ."
by Skippy tastes better than Jiff on Sep 24, 2008 8:47 PM EDT reply actions
Green light! come on!
"I don't think it's nice, you laughin'. See, my mule don't like people laughing. He gets the crazy idea you're laughing at him. Now if you apologize, like I know you're going to, I might convince him that you really didn't mean it . . ."
by Skippy tastes better than Jiff on Sep 24, 2008 8:49 PM EDT reply actions
Mauer beats out the DP
Mauer hustled down that line and what a take out slid by Casilla!
Gomez scores and the Twins lead 3-1!
It looked like it was ball 4; was it?
"I don't think it's nice, you laughin'. See, my mule don't like people laughing. He gets the crazy idea you're laughing at him. Now if you apologize, like I know you're going to, I might convince him that you really didn't mean it . . ."
by Skippy tastes better than Jiff on Sep 24, 2008 8:53 PM EDT reply actions
Morneau bounces out to Konerko
at least we got one…but honestly I would have liked it much better if Mauer singled and Morneau homered….ah well, maybe next time around!
He needs to go after these guys instead of farting around
"I don't think it's nice, you laughin'. See, my mule don't like people laughing. He gets the crazy idea you're laughing at him. Now if you apologize, like I know you're going to, I might convince him that you really didn't mean it . . ."
by Skippy tastes better than Jiff on Sep 24, 2008 8:56 PM EDT reply actions
Here we go:
1—Blackburn: 6 IP, 3 R, 3 K, 2 BB
2—Young, Morneau: HR
3—Gomez, Span: SB
4—Mauer: 3 hits
5—Twins 7, White Sox 2
I'm a little slow tonight....
I predict Blackburn to give up 3 runs, yet the Twins somehow win 7-2?
I blame the beer.
My Calls
1. Blackburn – 6.2 IP, 7 H, 2 R, 5 K, 2 BB
2. Gomez – 3 H, 1 2B, 1 RBI, 1 SB
3. Morneau – 2-4, 1 HR, 2 RBI
4. Twins win 6-2
Don't forget:
Even at 38, Griffey is still a good hitter.
Sometimes it’s possible to do everything right and still fail. This might have been one of those times.
Damn you and your greatness, Ken Griffey Jr.!!
Never did I think I’d live to see the day where I’d boo when you hit a home run.
Dammit.
Harris makes the catch on a foul pop up!
3 down!
what a job by Blacky to battle out of it! How long will it hold though!
All little leaguers...
that is not how to do a run down but it didn’t come back to hurt the Twins
we need more runs now
new guy here...
can blackburn make it another 2 innnings? he’s been playing with fire all night
welcome to TT
let’s hope he can, he’s about to hit 70 pitches here. he should be able to get through six, but a couple of 12-pitch innings would be nice, help him get through 7.
I'd be happier...
if JD were still in KC. He has a hell of a bat. At least there he would have no one on base when he hits them out.
Wow.
That was a tough zero to put up on the scoreboard. Blackburn might be tough pressed to get through six tonight, hopefully he can get an out or two before someone gets on base.
will Blacky go in for the sixth?
unless we score at least one more run here…I say no. We dont want another Griffey bomb!
Wow,
The Mets are trying to choke again this year. Brewers are up by 2. Mets blew a 5 run lead,and down by one.
Yeah dude,
I’m watching in on channel 5 here in the UK, and it’s a little behind…Delgado just hit HR#38…better known as a grand slam…to give them a 5-1 lead.
Yikes.
Good way to start the inning.
Let’s go TORII!!!!
Wait…he doesn’t play for us anymore?
Let’s go KUBEL!!!
I thought you would have forgotten about whats his name by now!
Whats his name? I cant remember! Gomez and Span appear to have taken over!
I'm out for the night kids.
Catch you tomorrow. Be sure to mark your post-game thoughts after the game, I’ll have a thread scheduled.
LATERS.
WIN TWINS!!
yeah...I am wondering who all we will see tonight
from that bullpen! Breslow….Mijares?….Bonser?…Nathan
I would rather not go that route.
Lets get some outs and score some runs!!!!
AJ and the sign of the cross
he does it before that AB like he’s annoyed that God expects the sign of devotion…
weird the things you see in a game…
dude must not have a mirror w/ that hair
that was the BEST pickup this season!
where would we be without Breslow this season! With our bullpen the way it was, Breslow is a breath of fresh air!
question:
will Breslow come back out for another inning? Uribe, Wise, and Cabrera due up…
In the meantime, LETS SCORE!!!!!!
it looked like he lost track of the count
cause he looked a little bewildered when the umpire called him out.
I agree
I just meant hold on, this could be tense….
by Twins Territory on Sep 24, 2008 10:07 PM EDT up reply actions
Damn you Hawk and DJ
Why oh why do I have to listen to their broadcast. They are still talking about the pick off play on gomez at second.
Yeah
I think he lost between 15-20.
by Twins Territory on Sep 24, 2008 10:08 PM EDT up reply actions
Indeed
Even if he gets Dye out, the 8th could be interesting with the middle of the order due up.
by Twins Territory on Sep 24, 2008 10:11 PM EDT up reply actions
He's had...
94 plate apperances without a home run
We need to extend the lead. I’m getting shaky over this close game.
by Twins Territory on Sep 24, 2008 10:13 PM EDT up reply actions
I am a little nervous about handing the ball
over to Mijares (despite his performance up to now). With a rookie pitching in the biggest game of his career (so far) against a Homerun hitting hitters can make you a little nervous
well, I can tell you this much
NOT Guerrier, Crain, Reyes, Korecky, and Guardado…..
I am excited for him but still…..
Mijares will now face two lefties in the next inning
Thome and Griffey….Konerko is in between those guys.
Thome, Griffey, Konerko
I bet he didnt face hitters like that in AA, hopefully the young lad is up for the challenge.
Remember how he was when Torii caught that ball...
that he said was robbed?
DANG
This is the critical inning boy, buckle up.
by Twins Territory on Sep 24, 2008 10:22 PM EDT reply actions
3-0...walk him, face Konerko...u have a chance for a GDP
"I talked to Paul this morning and asked if he could acquire some chemistry from another GM whose team is out of the race. But I'm concerned chemistry might not clear waivers."
--Beane
by DyeLongJustice on Sep 24, 2008 10:25 PM EDT reply actions
throw something other than a damn fastball
"I talked to Paul this morning and asked if he could acquire some chemistry from another GM whose team is out of the race. But I'm concerned chemistry might not clear waivers."
--Beane
by DyeLongJustice on Sep 24, 2008 10:26 PM EDT reply actions
bustin out the change on konerko...i like it
"I talked to Paul this morning and asked if he could acquire some chemistry from another GM whose team is out of the race. But I'm concerned chemistry might not clear waivers."
--Beane
by DyeLongJustice on Sep 24, 2008 10:28 PM EDT up reply actions
What a crazy
year for him. A car crash forces him out of spring training and then he goes from AA to pitching in a game that could help decide the division race.
by Twins Territory on Sep 24, 2008 10:28 PM EDT reply actions
i hate the white sox commentators
"I talked to Paul this morning and asked if he could acquire some chemistry from another GM whose team is out of the race. But I'm concerned chemistry might not clear waivers."
--Beane
by DyeLongJustice on Sep 24, 2008 10:30 PM EDT reply actions
#50
Huge for him to go out there and do that, my heart was pounding so hard when he fell behind 3-0 to Thome.
acted like he was going to flip the ball up into the stands when Young fouled that ball off
and then rolled it into his dugout!
Young
is hitting .296 with 10 HR and 67 RBI, Not bad at all…
by Twins Territory on Sep 24, 2008 10:34 PM EDT reply actions
I know it isnt
and all these people are saying how he is an automatic out and how we should have never traded for him and all that….look at the stats will you?
I think
he will eventually be a 20 HR guy when he gets better place discipline.
by Twins Territory on Sep 24, 2008 10:38 PM EDT up reply actions
And Go Go K's
Guess Nathan just has the one run to work with
Let’s go Twitchy!!! Clap Clap Clapclapclap
He just can't
let the first batter get on. When he has blown saves, that has been the main reason.
by Twins Territory on Sep 24, 2008 10:40 PM EDT up reply actions
Why not pinch hit for punto?
Everett’s sitting on the bench, right? So he can come and play (a better) shortstop. So why not bring in someone else? Cuddyer? Ruiz? Buscher? Anyone but Punto!
Yeah
I would have liked to see Cuddyer.
by Twins Territory on Sep 24, 2008 10:41 PM EDT up reply actions
I know
I can understand not ph for Gomez cause you want your best defense out there in the outfield but why not somebody for Punto? and then Everett can field….maybe even Everett could bat and get the butcher boy double!
pierzinkski...u are a piece of crap
"I talked to Paul this morning and asked if he could acquire some chemistry from another GM whose team is out of the race. But I'm concerned chemistry might not clear waivers."
--Beane
by DyeLongJustice on Sep 24, 2008 10:46 PM EDT reply actions
theres very few players i dislike more than him
although kenny rogers is up there
"I talked to Paul this morning and asked if he could acquire some chemistry from another GM whose team is out of the race. But I'm concerned chemistry might not clear waivers."
--Beane
by DyeLongJustice on Sep 24, 2008 10:47 PM EDT up reply actions
GOMEZ!!!!!
WHAT A CATCH!!!!!!!! FIELDING PLAY OF THE GAME!!!!!!!!!
that is why I have forgotten about Torii…no way in hell would he have caught that!
well not at this point in his career at least
"I talked to Paul this morning and asked if he could acquire some chemistry from another GM whose team is out of the race. But I'm concerned chemistry might not clear waivers."
--Beane
by DyeLongJustice on Sep 24, 2008 10:48 PM EDT up reply actions
Fuck AJ Pierzynski
AJ is nothing but trash, yeah he was a great player, but now hes intentionally not catching pitches so the ump gets hit, and Elbowing a Third Baseman and getting Defensive Interfierence Called.
which is smart...D Wise SUCKS
"I talked to Paul this morning and asked if he could acquire some chemistry from another GM whose team is out of the race. But I'm concerned chemistry might not clear waivers."
--Beane
by DyeLongJustice on Sep 24, 2008 10:50 PM EDT up reply actions
swish could at least hit the long ball
"I talked to Paul this morning and asked if he could acquire some chemistry from another GM whose team is out of the race. But I'm concerned chemistry might not clear waivers."
--Beane
by DyeLongJustice on Sep 24, 2008 10:50 PM EDT up reply actions
Damn
He probably pitched around him, but I don’t like it…
by Twins Territory on Sep 24, 2008 10:49 PM EDT reply actions
hes been around the bigs for a while tho...he just can't hit
"I talked to Paul this morning and asked if he could acquire some chemistry from another GM whose team is out of the race. But I'm concerned chemistry might not clear waivers."
--Beane
by DyeLongJustice on Sep 24, 2008 10:51 PM EDT up reply actions
i hope hes not worrying about owens
"I talked to Paul this morning and asked if he could acquire some chemistry from another GM whose team is out of the race. But I'm concerned chemistry might not clear waivers."
--Beane
by DyeLongJustice on Sep 24, 2008 10:52 PM EDT reply actions
the enddddddddddd
"I talked to Paul this morning and asked if he could acquire some chemistry from another GM whose team is out of the race. But I'm concerned chemistry might not clear waivers."
--Beane
by DyeLongJustice on Sep 24, 2008 10:53 PM EDT reply actions
Don't get to happy yet.
We really need the sweep if we want a true chance at making the playoffs. 1.5 back with just three left might not get it done. Lets do this again tomorrow.
by Twins Territory on Sep 24, 2008 10:54 PM EDT reply actions
also it looked like Gomez slowed down midway
but then got on his horse again to make the catch….did it look like it was hooking back or did he want a little glamour…did he want to show off his speed? However it was done…it was done!
Twins Win!
man this was a tight one but maybe that is better than another blow out…
make Chicago feel like there is no hope now… they are in the TerrorDome!
great job by the pen as well…
only blemish is all the runners left on base but who am I kidding I’m lovin’ this win!
Gotta get the sweep tomorrow, smell the blood Twins, Chicago’s knees are buckling one more blow and they’re KO’d
Gordo, Gladden and Morris
just suggested that wherever the Twins play in the playoffs (if they go there) that as many fans as could go should go because the Twins play better with their fans there….they like the energy! Lets do it Fans! But first, lets get Floyd tomorrow!
Well, I will post this here until the postgame thread comes out:
Stars of the Game:
1 – Carlos Gomez – game saving catch in the top of the ninth
2 – Breslow, Bonser, Mijares, and Nathan – 4 shutout innings, 1 H and 1 BB given up
3 – Blackburn – good performance, kept the Sox hitters off balance, battled, 5 IP, 8 H, 2 R, 2 BB, 2 Ks
Honorable Mention:
Mauer – 2 RBI, key stop on ball in the dirt in top of the ninth with Owens on first
Twins defense – (Harris dive, playing in the hole)…etc.
for the record
I wasn’t being critical, I’m just so happy they won that I couldn’t pick stars of the game, I have to give it to the team
I know you werent
I just wanted to make sure you knew that I agreed with you but I thought that those were the standout players!
Now, after celebrating, its time to buckle down for tomorrows game! It could be the toughest!
How about some love for Gardy?
Gutsy to send out a journeyman, a failed starter with an ERA of almost six, and a rookie with less than 10 innings in the majors (and less than 30 at AAA) to set up in the biggest game of the year. All three did their jobs and deserved to do so (good pitches).
by Alexi Casilla All-Star on Sep 24, 2008 11:16 PM EDT reply actions
oh yeah I forgot about him....
check out the now uploaded postgame report to see my “new” Stars of the Game!
Good job by Gardy so far this series...
his one big blemish for me is not PH’ing for Punto tonight in the 9th. And if you’re not going to PH for him (and you know it) then why bunt Harris before him with no outs?
That was inexcusable.
Well-stated and 100% correct!
You absolutley must hit for Punto there because it puts the game virtually out of reach with a hit. Nevertheless, the Twins have the Chisox mumbling to themselves again. They seem awfully tight to me; I wouldn’t be surprised if there is going to be one of those dreaded clubhouse meetings by you-know-who now that the Sox have lost the first two.
"I don't think it's nice, you laughin'. See, my mule don't like people laughing. He gets the crazy idea you're laughing at him. Now if you apologize, like I know you're going to, I might convince him that you really didn't mean it . . ."
by Skippy tastes better than Jiff on Sep 25, 2008 12:37 AM EDT up reply actions
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