First Pitch: 3:05pm CST
TV: FSNorth, ESPN
Radio: TRN
Know Thine Enemy: Over the Monster
I suspect today's game will be somewhat odd; Target Field will be the real star. Despite the Minnesota-Louisiana Tech game at the stadium, despite the exhibitions against the Cardinals, most seem to be considering today the true rebirth of outdoor baseball in Minnesota, and so coverage is descending upon us, certainly more for the Field than what happens on the field.
There is a game today amongst the hype, though - and for a Twins team that's already thinking playoffs, a series with perennial powerhouse Boston is as good an early measuring stick as any.
Probable Pitchers
Lester pitched in the second Sox game of the year, losing 6-4 to the Yankees. The folks at Over the Monster thought that he had his stuff but just couldn't put batters away, a condition they blamed partly on the umpiring. He'll throw a fastball in the 92-93 range, plus a good changeup and a slider.
Apparently we still don't have an updated, non-Indians picture for Pavano, which is sort of a shame.
Pavano will throw the first official regular-season pitch in Target Field; given his usual plan of attack, it's almost certain to be a strike. He's coming off an exceptionally good first start in Anaheim, where he held the Angels to a run on six hits in seven innings. It may not be a factor, but he's also pitched in Target Field already, having started one of the St. Louis exhibition games. (He lost, and gave up back-to-back home runs. Maybe he just needed to get that out of the way.)
Lineups
RED SOX
1. Marco Scutaro ss
2. Dustin Pedroia 2b
3. Victor Martinez c
4. Kevin Youkilis 1b
5. David Ortiz dh
6. Adrian Beltre 3b
7. J.D. Drew rf
8. Mike Cameron cf
9. Jeremy Hermida lf
TWINS
1. Denard Span cf
2. Orlando Hudson 2b
3. Joe Mauer c
4. Justin Morneau 1b
5. Michael Cuddyer rf
6. Jason Kubel dh
7. Delmon Young lf
8. J.J. Hardy ss
9. Nick Punto 3b
Red Sox vs Twins coverage