First Pitch: 1:10pm CDT
TV: WFTC-29
Radio: Twins Radio Network
Know Thine Enemy: Athletics Nation
I feel like I have a hangover. But mostly I think it's just the incessant pounding we've received from the A's this weekend. It would be nice to salvage a game of this series, because the Tigers are bound to win again eventually. Probably.
Brian's been brilliant as a starter. He imploded a bit in the sixth inning of his last start, loading the bases after having kept the Blue Jays scoreless for five-plus innings. In spite of that he's 2-0 in four starts, having allowed just six runs in 24 innings. If he can turn in that standard of performance today, I'll be happy. The fastball and slider have been particularly effective for the rookie, and here's hoping his string of success can continue today.
The A's have again stock-piled a slew of talented young pitching, and Gonzalez (23) is another example. Last night's starter, Brett Anderson, and Trevor Cahill are both 21. Of the six pitchers that have started 12 or more games for the A's, Dallas Braden (25) is the oldest. Anyway, back to Gio: his best pitch is his breaking ball. Apparently he now also throws a "four-seam changeup", which brings him to three "quality" pitches. Only 42.9% of his pitches this year have hit the strike zone, and it's showing in his walk rates. Minnesota's best shot will be to be patient, but outside of Morneau, Span, Kubel and Mauer that doesn't seem like something I'd bet on.
Lineups
Athletics
Adam Kennedy, 3B
Rajai Davis, CF
Kurt Suzuki, C
Jack Cust, DH
Scott Hairston, LF
Mark Ellis, 2B
Daric Barton, 1B
Eric Patterson, RF
Cliff Pennigton, SS
Twins (70-71)
Denard Span, CF
Orlando Cabrera, SS
Joe Mauer. DH
Justin Morneau, 1B
Jason Kubel, LF
Michael Cuddyer, RF
Brendan Harris, 3B
Mike Redmond, C
Nick Punto, 2B