Punto’s BACK! Ok, so that was just something I had to say because I like him, I don’t necessarily need to see him start a game or be out there every day but I also don’t dread when he shows up. Our offense can support what he’s not able to rise to and our defense is ALWAYS solid when he’s in the field. (of course, I don’t mind seeing JJ Hardy either so I miss him.)
That being said, this is the last game of this particular series. It will be interesting to see how we fair up against Beuhrle but at least I feel like we are even or exceed that matchup with Pavano out there. I’m looking forward to this game and I hope that the tensions stay minimal – I’m really not looking for any brawls.
And just for news of former Twins that hits especially close to the heart here on this blog, here’s a great write-up on RA Dickey!
| Chi White Sox | @ | Minnesota |
| Pierre, LF | Span, CF | |
| Vizquel, 3B | Hudson, O, 2B | |
| Rios, CF | Mauer, DH | |
| Konerko, 1B | Cuddyer, 1B | |
| Teahen, RF | Young, D, LF | |
| Ramirez, A, SS | Kubel, RF | |
| Kotsay, DH | Valencia, 3B | |
| Pierzynski, C | Punto, SS | |
| Beckham, 2B | Butera, C | |
| Buehrle, P | Pavano, P |
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | R | H | E | |
| Chi White Sox | 2 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 4 | 0 | 11 | 21 | 1 |
| Minnesota | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 5 | 1 |
Well that game sucked. Pavano did not have his usual stuff and Beuhrle most definitely did. I always try to find something positive to say about even the worst of games but this one is a bit tough.
I will say this: Casilla had a phenomenal play up the middle tonight that is destined for web gem-ness. Even if not, it will definitely be on the Twins site video clips tomorrow.
Sadly, in his first game back, Nick Punto strained the left hamstring again during a slide into second base and left the game. I’m going to go WAY out on a limb and suggest that if Punto goes back on the DL, I think they will be bringing up another relief pitcher given the schedule they have for the next 2 weeks. In my mind, that means either Slama or Neshek – Slama hasn’t been doing as well in AAA as he’d like. So – this is a legitimate opportunity for Sideshow to rejoin the team this season.
Of course, that all assumes that they don’t bring Plouffe back up and assumes that they don’t just decide to let Nicky wait it out a few days. I’m just saying it’s POSSIBLE and this is a good chance to see what they do. (and I think we need a pitcher.)
Other than that, let’s just remember that we already had the series against the White Sox, we already have the SEASON series won and we only have 3 more games to play them.
Bring on the Angels!
Other than the Casilla play, that game was 15 shades of ugly. Glad it’s over.