White Sox/Twins Preview

The regular season is wrapping up and with the Rays and Angels securing spots in the AL post season and the Red Sox not far behind the White Sox and Twins go at it in a three game series in the Minneapolis. Both teams have had their share of struggles of late with neither of them taking the step to secure the division for themselves.

 

The first game will pit Javier Vasquez against the Twins right hander Scott Baker. Baker is 2-2 with a 7.99 ERA in seven career starts against the White Sox. This season he’s gone 1-0 with a 5.73 ERA in two starts vs. the Sox. Vazquez does not have a lot of luck in the Metrodome where he’s gone 1-4 in his career.

 

The starting pitching hasn’t been the problem for the White Sox it’s been the bullpen that’s let them down over the last two weeks. Scott Linebrink is struggling to get back into the rhythm of things after being on the DL for a month and a half. The Twins have had their share of bullpen breakdowns and blown saves in recent weeks. The Twins strength hangs on the clutch, situational hitting of Maurer and Morneau.

 

The White Sox and their fans can’t be hoping, or counting on, a speedy recovery for AL MVP candidate Carlos Quentin. While having him back in the lineup would be a blessing it’s important go focus on what the Sox do have heading to Minnesota and despite all the turmoil and lack of production of key players the Sox are still in first place.

 

What the White Sox do have is Orlando Cabrera who over the last 8 games has a batting average of .469 with an on base percentage of .500. The Sox lead-off man will have to get the ball rolling early if the Sox are going to pull off a series win. Dewayne Wise has made the most of extra playing time with the injury to Carlos Quentin and with 9 RBI’s in his last 7 Wise hopes to stay hot while batting in the latter part of the line up. A.J. Pierzynski on the other hand is batting only .160 over his last 7 games. No matter where he is in the line up the Sox need A.J. to start swinging the bat better. Pierzynsi and Nick Swisher are guys who’s bats have been silent for a while with no better time than now to change that. 

 

Given the Sox recent history playing up in Minnesota I think hoping for a sweep and in turn an AL Central crown is a little much. Taking 2 of 3 is the realists ideal outcome for this series. The Sox need to take care of business against Minnesota on their home turf for after the series with the Twins the Sox host the Indians and the Tribe would like nothing more to ease the hurt of a losing season by spoiling our playoff hopes. The three game series with Cleveland is set to end with sure Cy Young winner Cliff Lee. First things first however, so it’s off to Minnesota and hopefully October.