First Pitch: 7:10 pm CT
TV: FSN
Radio: TIBN/TRN
Know Thine Enemy: South Side Sox

As forgettable as this season has been for the Twins, and as terrible as it's been for the fans, we have a treat tonight as Liam Hendriks makes his first Major League start tonight at Target Field. Before the season, the Twinkie Town community rated Hendriks as the Twins #8 prospect, the third pitcher behind Kyle Gibson (Tommy John surgery) and Alex Wimmers (Shooter Hunt syndrome, but hopefully he's beyond it after a seven inning no-hitter over the weekend). I suppose it's safe to say we'll be watching the Twins #1 pitching prospect on the mound tonight...

In other news, it sounds like Gardy will DH Justin Morneau and Joe Mauer will man first base over the rest of the season. I like this plan, no need to risk additional injury over what will be a generally meaningless September.

Liam Hendriks

#30 / Pitcher / Minnesota Twins

Height: 6-1

Weight: 190

Bats: R

Throws: R

Born: Feb 10, 1989

I understand that Liam is quite talented, but he has a long running fued with his brother Noel...

Seriously, I'm really excited about this kid. He's only 22, so he's plenty young for a prospect. Plus, over four years in the minors, Hendriks has NEVER had a FIP over 3.00. That's pretty darn impressive, and he hasn't lost a step moving up from AA New Britain to make four starts at AAA Rochester. Don't let the 4.56 ERA fool you, as Hendriks has been unlucky (54% strand rate is really low), and a 30 to 3 strikeout to walk ratio is pretty darn good. I'm not expecting huge things from him tonight, but I expect Liam will be a part of the Twins rotation for a number of years as a #2-3 type starter.

Jake Peavy

#44 / Pitcher / Chicago White Sox

Height: 6-1

Weight: 195

Bats: R

Throws: R

Born: May 31, 1981

Jake Peavy hasn't been as bad as his 5.28 ERA would indicate given a 3.33 FIP / 3.61 xFIP, but he hasn't been all that great either. Last week in Chicago, the Twins tagged Peavy for 8 hits and 6 runs over 5 innings in a 7-6 Minnesota victory. I'll take another one of these, except without the near blown save this time.