Patron Saint: UL Washington
Gravy: Country
Although you wouldn't know it from the media coverage, the Twins have not postponed this evening's game with the Royals in deference to Brett Favre's first game with the Vikings. Of course, the local nine hasn't given the Twin Cities media a compelling reason to switch tracks of late. That home sweep of the White Sox seems like it happened a lifetime ago, doesn't it? Still, there is a game to be played, and it still matters more than NFL games that don't count, even if the Royals are involved.
Your Starting Pitchers:
As was noted elsewhere on Twinkie Town, it speaks to how well Nick Blackburn was pitching earlier this season that his ERA is only 4.29. His recent imitation of a pinata stuffed with flat pitches and jet fuel gets my vote for the most disheartening development of the Twins' post-All Star break meltdown. Will it continue tonight? Do you have any reason to think it won't?
His last name is pronounced "HO-shaver," about which none of my jokes are appropriate for a tasteful, classy website such as this. Wikipedia tells me that he was the prom king during his senior year of high school in Fowler, Colorado. So there's that, then.
Notes:
- Justin Morneau will miss the entire series sez LEN3. Doesn't sound promising at all.
- The Kansas City Royals have their own thoughts about Joe Mauer's MVP bona fides.
- The Twins somehow managed to avoid facing Zach Greinke again in this series. Really wish they weren't wasting this good fortune on what looks like a lost season.
Lineups, courtesy LEN3:
Twins (58-63)
1. Denard Span, RF
2. Orlando Cabrera, SS
3. Joe Mauer, C
4. Jason Kubel, DH
5. Michael Cuddyer, 1B
6. Joe Crede, 3B
7. Delmon Young, LF
8. Carlos Gomez, CF
9. Alexi Casilla, 2B
Royals (47-73)
1. David DeJesus, LF
2. Mitch Maier, CF
3. Billy Butler, 1B
4. Mike Jacobs, DH
5. Alberto Callaspo, 2B
6. Mark Teahen, 3B
7. Miguel Olivo, C
8. Josh Anderson, RF
9. Yuniesky Betancourt, SS
Enjoy the game, everybody.