Chicago White Sox: How They Can Beat the Minnesota Twins

The 2010 Chicago White Sox season could be compared to a roller coaster ride. From the upward climb to the top of the division to the sudden fall to second place, the year was filled with many changes in direction. Not one White Sox fan can forget watching the downfall of the team's bullpen beginning with the series against the Twins right after the All-Star break.

The Twins came out of the gate after the break with a newfound swagger. They teed off on Bobby Jenks and the rest of the once-solid bullpen. They instilled fear in the White Sox by not being afraid to display some physicality. This toughness used to be displayed by Ozzie's boys.

From Delmon Young's flying elbow, to pitches aimed straight at hitters' ribs, none of the Twins' aggressive tactics were answered. Minnesota's tactics could be compared to that of a playground bully that nobody had the guts to stand up to. Not a single member of the White Sox put his neck out there for the sake of the team. As a result the Twins' momentum train kept on rolling.

After Delmon Young took a cheap shot at A.J Pierzynski sliding into home, the Twins' season turned around. Taking the "high road" and not retaliating led to the Sox taking the road out of first place. Chicago went 3-10 against the Twins in the second half, erasing the three and a half game lead they held going into the break.

In order to not fall victim to this same downfall, General Manager Kenny Williams upgraded the team with the key additions of Adam Dunn, Jesse Crain, and Will Ohman. He also resigned veterans Paul Konerko and A. J Pierzynski. Obviously these acquisitions will help, but a fresh mindset must also be adapted.

The Sox cannot continue to be the Twins' punching bag if they want to capture their first division title since 2008. They need to create some controversy of their own. How difficult is it to tell Gordon Beckham to slide hard into second base? Las Vegas odds would favor Adam Dunn in a fight against any of the Twins if a bench clearing brawl was to unfold. Ozzie Guillen is known for sparking up controversy with his words. However, words can only go so far. Throwing at Delmon Young is not ethical but in a sport where steroids was commonplace, this action is miniscule in comparison.

When the Sox hold their own against the Twins, the results are in their favor. An example of this is how Pierzynski blocked the plate while taking a shot from Michael Cuddyer during the Black Out game in 2008. By recording this out the Sox prevented the Twins from getting on the scoreboard, resulting in a 1-0 win and a division championship.

When the Sox do not hold their own it results in the Twins gaining momentum. This was seen in 2004 after Torii Hunter leveled catcher Jamie Burke. The Sox could never find an answer for the Twins the rest of the season and finished in second place.

The past has shown that in order for the Sox to defeat the "Piranhas," possessing an edge is key. Being "All In" this season means the Sox have to play with a chip on their shoulder. Being afraid to play dirty is not an option if the Sox want to win the division, and destroy the pesky "Piranhas".