Tuesday September 9, 2003
DISCUSSION QUESTION OF THE WEEK
Big Series, Game 1 à White Sox 5-2
Last night, the White Sox scored five first inning runs and made it hold up behind the mound effort of Bartolo Colon. Twins starter Kyle Lohse really struggled in that first inning. He got Roberto Alomar out to lead off the game, but then gave up a double to Carlos Lee followed by a walk to Frank Thomas. But Lohse got Magglio Ordonez to pop out. But, with two outs, the White Sox started. Carl Everett singled, Paul Konerko walked, Joe Crede singled, and Miguel Olivo doubled in the 4th and 5th runs of the inning before Lohse got Alomar again for the 3rd out.
The Twins did score two runs off Colon in the 2nd inning. They actually got 10 hits for the game and had numerous opportunities to score more runs, but each time, Colon worked out of it. Colon was throwing a straight fastball at 100 mph. He was also throwing a 2-seem fastball at 94-96 mph that moved back over the plate for a strike, ala Greg Maddux (well, except for that 94-96 mph thing). I don’t care what his statistics say, Bartolo Colon can be a very dominant pitcher. And, dominant wasn’t really the word to describe him last night, maybe ‘gritty’ would be better.
To point out a major positive, after giving up those 5 runs in the first inning, Kyle Lohse settled down and really pitched well for 5 more innings. After almost coming out in the first inning, he saved the bullpen by being able to settle down and give 5 more innings. Juan Rincon and JC Romero finished the job. So, after the first inning, the Twins won the game 2-0!
While watching the game, I was really frustrated with the Twins bats. But, I need to keep telling myself that it’s just one game. That Colon was making pitches. That the Twins had chances, and if not for a couple of inches here and there, the game could have been totally different.
The win gives the White Sox a 1.0 game lead over the Twins. It also stretches their lead over the idle Kansas City Royals to 3.5 games.
Ron Gardenhire got tossed again tonight. The reason? A camera. How ridiculous is that?
Heading into the game, the White Sox players were being quoted as saying that they need to win 3 out of 4 games in this series, at least. What were the Twins players talking about? Rookie hazing! Making the rookies on the roster where dresses or Hooters outfits on the plane flight to Chicago. There’s being loose, but there is a point where you have to realize what a big deal this series is!
Carlos Pulido is pitching tonight for the Twins. That decision is taking a lot of grief, but I happen to think it is absolutely the right choice. He’s been great in his appearances so far. I certainly don’t want Rick Reed pitching! Grant Balfour is the other option, but we know that odds are he’ll come in around the 5th or 6th inning tonight anyway, if Pulido does well. I really think Pulido will do well. He has really looked good all year. Can he keep the White Sox boppers’ bats down? We’ll find out.
Joe Mays is seeing Dr. James Andrews to find out if there is something wrong with his elbow or shoulder. For Mays and the Twins, we should really hope they find something. Otherwise, he has been terrible just because he’s terrible. If there’s an injury, then there is an excuse and, following surgery, some hope for him!
Eric Milton was back in the Twins dugout last night for the first time in awhile. He pitched, and took the loss, for the New Britain Rock Cats on Sunday. In that game, he threw 50 pitches. I hate to see Milton rushed back, but I also think he could really help the Twins the rest of this season. I think that should be as a middle reliever. If he can throw 50 pitches, that should get him through 3+ innings, or once through a batting order. With his stuff, that could be vital!
Is it possible that anyone in baseball history has had bigger arms than Frank Thomas?
Again, for the perspective of a White Sox fan on this series, be sure to check out ChiSox Daily!
As you all know, I’m involved in two fantasy baseball leagues and two fantasy football leagues (see the draft results). This past weekend, my two baseball seasons ended. In one league, I lost a first round playoff game. Not good! In the other league, we were in the championship game, and lost, so we finished in 2nd place. My two football teams lost (and lost bad!) this weekend as well. So, all in all, I had an 0-4 weekend in fantasy sports! Not good, huh? Good thing I had an enjoyable weekend at a couple of Twins games!
DISCUSSION QUESTION OF THE WEEK
Apparently this week’s question was a good one, as I have already received quite a few e-mail responses to it! That’s great and I’d love to hear from everyone, so send me an e-mail and have your thoughts heard on the below question:
This is a question that I think comes into question at this time every year… The MVP award. What does the term “Most VALUABLE Player” mean? Does it mean just the best player in the league statistically for the year? Does it mean the most clutch player? Does it mean the best player on the best team? Last year, Miguel Tejada of the Oakland A’s won the AL MVP award even though his overall numbers weren’t as good as Texas Rangers SS Alex Rodriguez. But, the A’s went to the playoffs, and the Rangers didn’t play a ‘meaningful game after Memorial Day. So, what do you think? I know that everyone has different opinions on this, and I would love to hear from you on your thoughts.
Here’s how the Discussion Question of the Week works. The Question is presented. It will be included on the site all week. If you would like to participate in the discussion, just send me an e-mail with your response by Thursday night. I will then, on Friday, post the responses that I get. This one should be fun and interesting.
Week 1 is done! And there were upsets, surprising rookie performances, great matchups and plenty more to remind us of why we love Sunday afternoons and Monday nights in the fall! Also, our weekly “Expert Picks” page is now updated showing the correct picks and standings. Also, check back on Thursday to see our Week 2 picks. Let’s see if I can repeat as the weekly winner, or, if I end up being just weak!
Well, this is as short an entry as I have probably ever had. So, I’m going to list a couple of previous postings of mine for you to check out. They can all be found by looking in this site’s Archives. As always, if you have any ideas for topics, please let me know and I’ll try to do that.
All-Time Greatest Hitters - With some analysis, check out who ranked as the top players of all-time!
Who is the Greatest Minnesota-Born Hitters? - 8 players in major league history were born in Minnesota and accumulated over 3,000 at bats. This analysis ranks them.
My All-Time Favorite Player (non-Kirby Puckett Division) - Fairly self-explanatory. Find out who my favorite player growing up was.
Thoughts on Jim “Kitty” Kaat - Part book review/Part career discussion.
Have a great Tuesday!