StarTribune.com

Going to Chicago and solving this thing

Posted on September 29th, 2008 – 2:59 PM
By Michael Rand

We know what the kids like: baseball. That said: The Sox/Tigers game is mired in a rain delay. We’re hearing word that it won’t start until 5 p.m.; but what if it keeps raining and they can’t play at all today?

That’s where you come in: what should happen tomorrow?

*Play a day-night double-header in Chicago, with the Tigers first and the Twins (if necessary) second?

*Move the games to a neutral weather-controlled site (hello, Milwaukee!)

*Move the games to the Dome?

*Declare the game null and hand the division to the Twins?

*Something else entirely?

You decide …

62 Responses to "Going to Chicago and solving this thing"

The Hootie says:

September 29th, 2008 at 3:08 pm

A day night double header with 2 different teams would be awesome.

I think they’re going to get the game in today if at all possible, though, even if it means starting the game at 9 or 10.

Any word on what the Twins’ plans are? Are they going to fly out to Chicago just in case?

Merx says:

September 29th, 2008 at 3:12 pm

“Declare the game null and hand the division to the Twins?”

That sounds like a great idea to me.

I think a day-night double-header is the only viable option, if they get rained out today.

MR says:

September 29th, 2008 at 3:17 pm

There’s also a 30% chance of rain tomorrow night in Chicago…

Dave MN says:

September 29th, 2008 at 3:27 pm

Play it in the dome. Or play it in Milwaukee. Although Milwaukee is a lot closer to Chicago than to here.

Clarence Swamptown says:

September 29th, 2008 at 3:31 pm

Dream scenario:

They schedule a day-night double header in Chicago. The Twins watch the afternoon game while drinking beer in the stands, like something from a slow-pitch softball tournament. The Tigers win, and the Twins jump from the stands to celebrate on the field. In the commotion, A.J. discovers that the Tigers’ catcher “Dusty Ryan” (who went 3 for 4 with the game winning RBI) was actually Joe Mauer in disguise. Before A.J. can alert the umpire, a drunken Bobby Korecky donkey punches him into a permanent coma.

Fin.

Paul Peter Paulos says:

September 29th, 2008 at 3:35 pm

Whatever they come up with, don’t have the Sox play the Vikes. That would mean cutains for the Twins

fasolamatt says:

September 29th, 2008 at 3:37 pm

Alas, they could put everything off 24 hours, as the ALDS that the winner will be in doesn’t start until Thursday. I like the idea of the day-night doubleheader; I also like that tonight’s game doesn’t start until after I hope to be home from the office, and that it’s on ESPN360.

But what I really like is beer and pizza.

MR says:

September 29th, 2008 at 3:37 pm

If I were the Twins and they played the doubleheader, I’d buy the entire block of seats right next to the Chicago bullpen, and just heckle the relievers so badly that even if the Sox beat the Tigers, the bullpen would be so rattled that they couldn’t do anything. Lots of Morneau and Young saying “Man, if you throw that to me I’ll hit it to the lake.”

Paul Peter Paulos says:

September 29th, 2008 at 3:37 pm

This rain is supposed to stop late aft. They’ll play at home. No one with everything on the line wants to play a road game unless absolutely necessary, and the greedy tv networks can just sit on their hands if they have to wait a bit.

Nick says:

September 29th, 2008 at 3:49 pm

In related news, I’m not surprised to report that the first playoff game between the Rays and Twins/White Sox will start at 1:30 on Thursday afternoon. It’s quite reminiscent of 2006, when our two home games both started at freaking noon on weekdays. I loathe Bud Selig.

The Hootie says:

September 29th, 2008 at 3:54 pm

For those of you not checking in with Joe C.:

“Update (3:25 p.m.): The White Sox announced an expected start time of 4 p.m. The ground crew is back squeegeeing, and it’s supposed to stop raining here shortly.”

newbie says:

September 29th, 2008 at 3:56 pm

They should play a day-night double header. But at Milwaukee for the day game and the dome for the night game. What? That’s not unfair for Chicago.

The Hootie says:

September 29th, 2008 at 3:58 pm

@Nick-

That sucks, but is not surprising. Bud Selig is indifferent to your loathing and to fans of teams that don’t start with “New York” “Boston” or “Los Angeles”.

newbie says:

September 29th, 2008 at 3:59 pm

We could change our name to the New York Twins of Minnesota.

MR says:

September 29th, 2008 at 4:02 pm

Nice that Randball won the blog server lottery for the day…Joe C’s blog seems to be down…

The Hootie says:

September 29th, 2008 at 4:05 pm

Off Topic

Did anyone see Family Guy last night? 2 References of “….and boom goes the dynamite.” Awesome.

/Off Topic

Michael Rand says:

September 29th, 2008 at 4:06 pm

just saw footage of Garcia and Floyd warming in the bullpens. Looks like it’s going to start soon …

The Hootie says:

September 29th, 2008 at 4:08 pm

Is this going to be the last post of the day/open thread for the game, Rand?

Rotoblinders says:

September 29th, 2008 at 4:11 pm

Any scenario that involves AJ getting donkey punched into a coma is without a doubt the most appropriate. Well done Clarence, well done.

UofM2010 says:

September 29th, 2008 at 4:12 pm

Gary Sheffield got HBP and DIDN’T storm the mound. Wow.

UofM2010 says:

September 29th, 2008 at 4:12 pm

Wait, office baseball rules? Can this actually count as a “Twins game”?

lattewarrior says:

September 29th, 2008 at 4:14 pm

I miss Stu.

Dave MN says:

September 29th, 2008 at 4:16 pm

Let’s go Mags!

danonymous says:

September 29th, 2008 at 4:21 pm

This rain is really [redacted]ing up my plans. I have boss approval on four hours notice to miss two days of work for a Twins game in Chicago, kicker is I have to be back no later than 5:00pm on Wed.

If this becomes unnecessary because of a miraculous performance by Freddy Garcia and the Tigers, I’m cool with that. But if I can’t get all drunk and harassed in New Comiskey because of a little rain I’m gonna be pissed.

MR says:

September 29th, 2008 at 4:25 pm

Hmm…Garcia walking the first two batters isn’t a promising start.

Michael Rand says:

September 29th, 2008 at 4:26 pm

1-0 sox.

Dave MN says:

September 29th, 2008 at 4:27 pm

crap…

Dave MN says:

September 29th, 2008 at 4:31 pm

DeWayne Wise has no business being on-base. Didn’t the Tigers learn anything from the Twins’ series?

Dave MN says:

September 29th, 2008 at 4:33 pm

Griffey Jr. is looking a little bloated in his Gameday pic.

Dave MN says:

September 29th, 2008 at 4:33 pm

Not nearly as bloated as his reputation at this point. Talk about being too old to be truly effective anymore.

Michael Rand says:

September 29th, 2008 at 4:35 pm

coulda been way worse

danonymous says:

September 29th, 2008 at 4:36 pm

Freddy Garcia is married Ozzie Guillen’s second cousin, the fix is in:

http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/columns/story?columnist=stark_jayson&page=pennantpulse/080928

Dave MN says:

September 29th, 2008 at 4:36 pm

Does Marcus Thames even know where the plate is? Can someone Google him a map?

lattewarrior says:

September 29th, 2008 at 4:42 pm

My lack of confidence in Freddy Garcia is attributed to his:

A) Magglio Ordonez-style locks
B) Unkempt chinstrap
C) 2-6 record, 5.45 ERA the last two seasons
D) Mopey on-the-mound demeanor
E) Flat breaking balls

Michael Rand says:

September 29th, 2008 at 4:53 pm

and yes, this is the open thread …

newbie says:

September 29th, 2008 at 4:56 pm

Then can we get a version of the Final Countdown please?

disco says:

September 29th, 2008 at 5:00 pm

latte-

answer is B - the same reason why the women love shia lebouf and I hate him -

observe and compare - http://i94.photobucket.com/albums/l97/Torr9/Shia/shia-labeouf-facial-hair-04.jpg

My thoughts -

Can’t grow a full beard? shave it. and let the real men show you how it is done.

newbie says:

September 29th, 2008 at 5:20 pm

FIne, I’ll do it myself.

This seems appropriate.

It kind of gives you the feeling of the last few days.

The Hootie says:

September 29th, 2008 at 5:25 pm

WOOT!!

Merx says:

September 29th, 2008 at 5:26 pm

Nice hit Inge.

ramon says:

September 29th, 2008 at 5:30 pm

Far out! The sportcoat/blue jean look that took our high school by storm in the late 70s is back. I’m on my way to the drycleaners as we speak.

Newbie - are you seeking more PBA stars in nice slacks?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PT-zVl5QlOM&feature=related

AZGopherGirl says:

September 29th, 2008 at 5:36 pm

This is about the time I get into baseball (yes I’m one of those). I’m going to use my “Tom Petters” powers for good and will the Tigers to victory! Then JPF gets his unicorn.

Dave MN says:

September 29th, 2008 at 5:40 pm

Let’s get to that Sox bullpen!

newbie says:

September 29th, 2008 at 5:48 pm

You know I am ramon. Thanks.

Oh and make sure they iron those cuffs on your jeans, don’t want those things to touch your shoes.

The Hootie says:

September 29th, 2008 at 5:50 pm

I don’t know what’s worse- the ticker on ESPN on slow days meaning the same five headlines are repeated 7 times per minute, or the ticker on Saturdays during college football season where it runs through scores for 15 minutes then cuts off right before it gets to the game you’re watching for.

Merx says:

September 29th, 2008 at 5:51 pm

I have Marshall on one of my fantasy teams and believe me I haven’t forgotten to start him.

The Hootie says:

September 29th, 2008 at 5:51 pm

Thank you Gavin Floyd!!!!!

The Hootie says:

September 29th, 2008 at 6:07 pm

Hey, looks like Leyland is actually trying here. Nice.

Michael Rand says:

September 29th, 2008 at 6:14 pm

Armando? Not so much.

Deacon says:

September 29th, 2008 at 6:15 pm

Not sure if I’m going to be able to stomach much more of the MLB.tv broadcast with Hawk and D.J.

I seriously [redacted]-ing hate these guys.

Which is a bigger understatement than saying, “the stock market had a tough day today.”

Sassbottom says:

September 29th, 2008 at 6:17 pm

Ummm … not to be insensitive … but is the current Tigers pitcher retarded or something? Is his arm broken?

Merx says:

September 29th, 2008 at 6:17 pm

Can they stop with the wild pitches already, [redacted]?

Sassbottom says:

September 29th, 2008 at 6:26 pm

Well, slap my ass and call me Lucy.

What a [redacted] son of a [redacted] that is. [REDACTED]!!!

Deacon says:

September 29th, 2008 at 6:26 pm

I think the Twins can board the plane now…

But they can feel better about the relative strength of their bullpen!

Sassbottom says:

September 29th, 2008 at 6:27 pm

Gary Glover is a dead man.

Paul Peter Paulos says:

September 29th, 2008 at 6:34 pm

4 grand slams by a rookie ! What the hay !!!

jama says:

September 29th, 2008 at 6:54 pm

Is there any chance Baker can start and go 7 innings tomorrow? Blackburn starting is not instilling faith.

The Hootie says:

September 29th, 2008 at 7:11 pm

jama- at least it isn’t Perkins tomorrow. Danks has bad numbers against the Twins this year, too.

Dave MN says:

September 29th, 2008 at 7:22 pm

How much will it cost for someone to shove Ramirez in front of a bus tomorrow?

If not that, if we get down big, I want pitchers firing fastballs at his face in succession. Four straight balls for a walk or a HBPIF (Hit By Pitch in Face) I hate that little piece of [redacted].

Paul Peter Paulos says:

September 29th, 2008 at 7:34 pm

Is this the same team the Twins just trashed ? I hope the day off isn’t like the bye week in football where a team loses it’s edge sitting on it’s butt. No way. The Twins have that lean and hungry look. Such teams are dangerous !

Dave MN says:

September 30th, 2008 at 8:36 am

I refuse to become defeatist until we give up the first run…