First Pitch: 12:00pm Central
TV: FS-N
Radio: Twins Radio NetworkKnow Thine Enemy: Bleed Cubbie Blue
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Starting Pitchers
Rich Harden
#40 / Pitcher / Chicago Cubs
6-1
195
L
R
Nov 30, 1981
I'm having issues inserting Harden's stat widget, so here's what I'll tell you: this is Harden's first start in almost a month. He went on the DL in May with a back strain. If he's healthy, and we have to assume he is, Harden is a big game pitcher who can strike you out and put up a string of zeros. If he's not healthy, which he actually hasn't been fully since 2004, then then sound you'll hear will be Cubs fans bashing their heads against brick walls. The best thing the Twins can do is be patient, because healthy or not Harden will throw his share of balls outside the zone.
With Glen Perkins set to join the rotation next week, this will likely be Anthony's last chance to impress his major league counterparts for the time being. It's been a couple of rought ones in a row, and with an aggressive Cubs team things won't be getting any easier for a guy accustomed to throwing strikes. Swarzak should still be focusing on staying on the edges of the strike zone, but he needs to challenge hitters inside once in a while and avoid leaving those meatballs up in the zone. Limit the walks and make Chicago earn their runs.