Tonight's game
by Arkietwin
on Sep 25, 2008 10:02 AM EDT
I nearly required CPR during the last two innings last night, but oh what a show! I am visiting my sister in the Twin Cities right now, and I can't think of a better time to be up here. I'm going to take the train into downtown this afternoon and head to the Dome to see if I can see the guys in person. It will be a memorable time for me, I know!!
What a great time to be a fan!
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Ticket scalpers
will be asking a good price for the best seats.
If I had a job right now, I’d bring $100 and see what’s out there.
by Old Twins Cap on Sep 25, 2008 11:20 AM EDT 0 recs
Wow....I mean...wow
We had Nick Blackburn going 5.0 IP and giving up 10 baserunners against Buerhle’s 7.0 IP and WON!
Epic game tonight, this might look similar to Morris vs. Smoltz tonight. Floyd has the Twins number and the Slowey tossed 9 donuts up against the Sox last time.
I love it, so much fun!
by TMW on Sep 25, 2008 11:51 AM EDT 0 recs
This is a great analysis of Slowey from ESPN.com last night....
Hopefully he can repeat his success from his last turn against the Sox, at least for 6 innings. If so, we win.
THREE THINGS TO WATCH: THURSDAY
Kevin Slowey
Slowey
1. Slowey needs to mix in off-speed pitches
In his second season, Twins starter Kevin Slowey has thrown fewer breaking pitches than he did in 2007. He may benefit from going to the off-speed stuff more often Thursday in a huge start against the division-leading White Sox.
Slowey’s curve and slider have been markedly better this season, particularly against same-side hitters:
Slowey’s curve and slider to RHBs
Years BA SLG Miss pct.
2007 .413 .717 18.7
2008 .221 .337 29.9
A big reason for the improved results is that Slowey has kept his breaking pitches down in the zone more consistently. Last season, 56 percent of his curves and sliders to righties were at the knees or lower; this year, it’s 63 percent. Opposing right-handed batters are hitting just .143 this year against Slowey’s low breaking balls, compared to .324 when he leaves one at the belt or above.
The White Sox have feasted on Slowey’s fastball and changeup, slugging .554 against those pitches in his three starts against them this season. They have hit just .214 and slugged .286 against his slider and curve, without one well-hit ball. Slowey figured things out against the White Sox when he tossed a complete-game shutout against them the last time they met (July 28):
Slowey’s pitch usage in three starts vs. White Sox this season (pct. of pitches)
Date Fastball Curve/Slider Changeup
May 75.0 17.0 8.0
June 8 77.0 17.0 6.0
July 28 64.0 28.0 8.0
His fastball has remained effective against Chicago’s left-handed batters this season (.091 BA), so look for Slowey to break off more curves and sliders to righties and use his fastball often with the occasional change to lefties.
by DJSkillz on Sep 25, 2008 12:37 PM EDT 0 recs
Keeping it down
I would say that’s the biggest difference between Slowey when he’s on and when he’s not. If he stays back and lets his ball move from the knees to out of the zone low, he’s very effective no matter what pitch he throws. When he rushes and throws thigh-high and above, he doesn’t have the same movement and he gets hit hard. Fortunately he’s been consistently at the knees and lower since the All-Star break, save for an inning here and there.
The way he’s pitched, I’m really glad he’s going tonight. Baker, Liriano, and Slowey have been the best pitchers on the staff since August 1. I expect them to be the top three pitchers in the playoffs should the Twins get there.
"You're thinking too much. Just have fun." -- Bennie "The Jet" Rodriguez in Sandlot
by cmathewson on Sep 25, 2008 1:08 PM EDT 0 recs
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