The Detroit Tigers lead the American League Central Division and their two closest pursuers will tangle in the Twin Cities, each with eyes on closing the gap before the All-Star break. After winning home series last weekend against the front-running Tigers, Minnesota (43-43, -4-1 units) had set its sights on gathering momentum on their nine-game homestand. Unfortunately, faster then you can say “Bruno”, that attempt has been blunted with three straight losses to the Yankees. The Twins have to pick themselves up and get ready to face divisional rival, who is playing very good baseball also.The White Sox (44-41, +3.4 units) have won nine of last 12 to propel themselves past Minnesota and are 6-0-2 in last eight series. "The White Sox are playing very good baseball," manager Ron Gardenhire said. "If we go out and play like we did against the Yankees, we'll probably get our butts kicked here at home again. That's not too much fun." The Twins hope to recapture magic and are 40-17 at the Metrodome vs. an AL team with a team batting average of .265 or worse.
Chicago’s resurgence has been led by the offense and improved starting pitching. On the season, the White Sox are averaging 4.6 runs per game (11th in AL), however in last dozen outings, they have tallied a terrific 6.3 RPG. Manager Ozzie Guillen understands that continuing to play well won’t be easy in the Land of 10,000 Lakes. The Pale Hose have lost four in a row in Minnesota and nine of 10 overall. He’ll have to hope his Friday starter John Danks (7-6, 3.76 ERA) can provide a spark. Danks has 1.51 ERA in his last five starts and Bookmaker.com has Chicago as +115 underdogs, which suits Danks and teammates, who are 11-4 (+9.9 Units) against the money line as a road underdog of +100 or higher over the last two seasons.
Minnesota will counter with Nick Blackburn (7-4, 2.94), who has been moved up a day because of illness to Glen Perkins. Blackburn has been imposing in his own right; with 1.81 ERA the last nine times he’s toed the rubber, which has included three complete games. Blackburn and the Twins are 10-1 off consecutive losses.
Game 1 Edge: Twins
After being scratched Wednesday, Perkins (4-4, 4.38) is expected to give it go in Game 2. The left-hander is at his best when he has the opposition wearing out the Astroturf, beating ground ball after ground ball and keeping his infielders busy. Coming into the series, Minnesota had won 37 of last 54 games against teams with winning records and will want to reestablish that dominance.
Earlier, had mentioned the White Sox were receiving strong starting pitching and Gavin Floyd (6-6, 4.43) is another example. After throwing like the pitcher Philadelphia had given up on, Floyd put together a string of eight quality starts, which featured a glittering ERA of 1.39, before being roughed up for five runs in just over five innings at Kansas City in last start.
Watch for outcome of opening tilt, since Floyd is 4-0 if Chicago is off a loss. Otherwise the Sox are 7-2 in last nine as visitors and 15-3 in Game 2’s.
Game 2 Edge: White Sox
If the series is tied or Chicago had won previous two games, skipper Guillen has to like his chances going into All-Star break with a win. His starter is Mark Buehrle (9-2, 3.14), who will be flying to St. Louis after the conclusion of the contest to take part in fourth All-Star game. The lefthander has been nothing short of brilliant all year and the Twinkies have issues with lefties, posting 12-17 record coming into the series.
Scott Baker (6-7, 5.31) has not been nearly as proficient for Minnesota. If the former ace of the staff is unscathed one time thru the lineup, he’s done little to make adjustments going forward, which is odd for a veteran chucker, and is lit up the next time around. Difficult to like Baker in this spot, since he has 6.85 ERA in nine appearances against Chicago and Buehrle is 23-13, with 3.72 ERA versus the Twins.
Game 1 Edge: Twins
After being scratched Wednesday, Perkins (4-4, 4.38) is expected to give it go in Game 2. The left-hander is at his best when he has the opposition wearing out the Astroturf, beating ground ball after ground ball and keeping his infielders busy. Coming into the series, Minnesota had won 37 of last 54 games against teams with winning records and will want to reestablish that dominance.
Earlier, had mentioned the White Sox were receiving strong starting pitching and Gavin Floyd (6-6, 4.43) is another example. After throwing like the pitcher Philadelphia had given up on, Floyd put together a string of eight quality starts, which featured a glittering ERA of 1.39, before being roughed up for five runs in just over five innings at Kansas City in last start.
Watch for outcome of opening tilt, since Floyd is 4-0 if Chicago is off a loss. Otherwise the Sox are 7-2 in last nine as visitors and 15-3 in Game 2’s.
Game 2 Edge: White Sox
If the series is tied or Chicago had won previous two games, skipper Guillen has to like his chances going into All-Star break with a win. His starter is Mark Buehrle (9-2, 3.14), who will be flying to St. Louis after the conclusion of the contest to take part in fourth All-Star game. The lefthander has been nothing short of brilliant all year and the Twinkies have issues with lefties, posting 12-17 record coming into the series.
Scott Baker (6-7, 5.31) has not been nearly as proficient for Minnesota. If the former ace of the staff is unscathed one time thru the lineup, he’s done little to make adjustments going forward, which is odd for a veteran chucker, and is lit up the next time around. Difficult to like Baker in this spot, since he has 6.85 ERA in nine appearances against Chicago and Buehrle is 23-13, with 3.72 ERA versus the Twins.
Game 3 Edge: White Sox
This is a really challenging series to pick a winner, with Minnesota having history edge and Chicago playing better baseball. With the Twins not hitting as well and White Sox having more favorable pitching matchups, will support the Pale Hose and keep fingers crossed that is the correct wager.
Bookmaker.com series odds: Chicago +115, Minnesota -145
3DW Pick: White Sox
2009 Record – 4-7
2009 Record – 4-7
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