First Pitch: 1:10 PM CDT
TV: WFTC-29
Radio: Twins Radio Network
Know Thine Enemy: DRaysBay
In spite of ending the month on a high-note with a seven-inning, four-run performance last week, it's been a rough start to the season for our Nick. And yet he's been involved in the latest trade rumors in regards to Cliff Lee, tied in with Wilson Ramos and one of two outfielders by Charlie Walters.
To be effective again today, against a lineup that can obviously score runs in bunches, Blackburn really needs his breaking balls and off-speed pitches to work. His changeup in particular has been hit harder than usual. He's great at being efficient in terms of pitches per plate appearance, it's just what happens after hitters make contact that make or break his day. If those fastball-changeup combos can help those ground balls find a few more gloves today, then everything will be fine.
On the other side is this guy, who really doesn't do anything badly. He throws both the fastball and changeup for strikes, and he can get people to swing and miss as well. He's also efficient and likes to be aggressive and work ahead of hitters. But if you can get the ball in the air, Shields' home run rates do skew to a bit higher than average. Hopefully we hear some loud cracks off the bat today, and one or two can leave the yard.
Shields throws a good low-90s fastball, a hard cutter, a good curve in the upper 70s and a changeup in the lower 80s.