Detroit: Rock City
The latest most important series of the season starts tonight. At worst, the Twins need to win 2 out of 3. The Tigers have Justin Verlander going against Glen Perkins Carl Pavano tomorrow. Let's focus on this evening, shall we?
Your starting pitchers:
Swarzak gets to pitch against someone besides the Los Angeles Angels tonight. After last Saturday's pasting, that's likely for the best. Still, it's another must-win game for the Twins where they desperately need their rookie fifth starter to pitch like the veteran staff ace. This is suboptimal.
Coming off an impressive 2008 season (13-7 record, 3.73 ERA, 5th in the AL Rookie of the Year voting), Galarraga has been less than dominant. Don't take my word for it, ask Jim Leyland. Quite simply, the Twins need to pound the hell out of him and anyone else the Tigers throw out there. End of discussion.
Your questions:
- As noted just about everywhere, new Twin Carl Pavano has pwned the Tigers this year (3-0, 1.93 ERA). Does he get another shot at them this weekend? (Answer: yes. Yes, he does. Perkins goes to the bullpen.)
- I am entertained by Orlando Cabrera. Is he eroding anyone else's skepticism?
- The Twins clubhouse does not sound a happy place right now, does it?
- The healthy Joe C. says the unhealthy Joe C. is out for this series. Are you ready for the Danny Valencia Era yet?
Your lineups:
Enjoy the game, everybody.