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.