Tuesday (How it should be) edition: Wha’ Happened?
Posted on September 30th, 2008 – 8:43 AMBy Michael Rand
For all of our declarations yesterday that the Tigers would defeat the White Sox and this thing would be over — and we really did feel that way, right up until we saw the level of indifference displayed by the Detroit bullpen — it’s only fitting that Chicago and the Twins have one game to settle it all. Neither team could put the other away despite ample opportunities. Now both have to prove it.
Couple of thoughts:
*For travel, etc., perhaps it’s nice to determine the one-game playoff site well in advance by the random method currently used (coin flip). But wouldn’t season series winner be a better first tiebreaker for home field? The Twins are 10-8 against the Sox this year, but just 2-7 in Chicago. That’s a huge difference. Then again …
*In the seven one-game playoffs in baseball history, the road team has won five times. (Courtesy of Jayson Stark).
*John Danks has been shaky against the Twins this season and is pitching on three days’ rest.
*Recipe for pitching success tonight: Blackburn gets through five. Any more is a bonus. Some combination of Breslow, Crain and Reyes squeezes out another five outs. Mijares in the eighth. Nathan in the ninth. There had better not be another pitcher that comes walking through those bullpen doors.
*Your thoughts?
*Fasola-link! 100 years of the Model-T.
20 Responses to "Tuesday (How it should be) edition: Wha’ Happened?"
According to USA Today, the broadcast team for TBS is Dick Stockton, the Thing on Dick Stockton’s Head, and Harold Reynolds. I only point that out because the Thing on Dick Stockton’s Head is some type of hair-like device that controls the world’s weather. Watch the skies is all I’m saying.
You forgot:
* Alexi Ramirez is shoved in front of a bus prior to game time. Dave MN knows nothing of why this may have happened…
Can we force the White Sox to bat DeWayne Wise leadoff? He is not good at baseball.
The good news is that Morneau and Mauer have hit Danks well. Maybe on the road, Morneau will relax and start hitting.
If the Chicago fans are smart, they’ll start up the “M-V-P” chant every time Morneau steps up to the plate–I think he’s 0-fer when that chant is going at home.
Michael, are you watching the game at the Randball HQ? I am nervous and don’t want to be alone at a time like this. Please advise.
I will be watching the game somewhere in St. Paul prior to the Beck concert.
I wish I felt more confident than I do. I think it a major flaw that a coin flip decides where the game is played when head to head matchups are not considered first.
I’m more of a football fan, but would like to know from the baseball stat fiends how often there is a one game playoff anywhere in the majors after such a long season ?
I can already barely type, and it’s 9:30 am. By tonight I should be a complete nervous wreck.
I hope work has a defibrillator available tonight. I may need it.
Can’t believe they are playing there !! In swimming the best times go in the middle so if that swimmer stays in front, he/she can ride the bow wave. But playing in the park of the team you’ve beaten the majority of times you’ve played ? Nonsense..what’s so holy about a coin toss ?
If the Twins lose it will be further proof that AZGopherGirl is losing her touch.
No Detroit win last night, the bailout bill gets defeated and stock market tanks and I still have no unicorn.
I will sacrifice the unicorn for a Minnesota victory tonight, so get to work.
Tie the Twins fortune to the inverse of the Vikings: A simple formula for Amazing Grace !!
Crain? Really? The guy that is has brought Crain-wreck to Twins fans?
I’m just saying. Would they turn to Liriano for an inning or two?
jama: Crain is the righty I trust the most in the pen right now. Boof? Can’t afford any big innings, and that’s how he rolls when he’s not on. Guerrier? No thanks. Unless Baker can get 4 or 5 outs, I like Crain.
Crain is the righty I trust the most in the pen right now.
We’re screwed.
It’s a busy day
Much work demands attention
Haikus will be rare
Nonetheless, know this
Tonight I will pee my pants
Like a Brewers fan
A simple question
Demands a mammoth answer
Which team has more heart?
If the Twins win it
There will be joy, but if not
Tomorrow sadness
Life is sorrowful
Still, a lunkhead had it right
“Enjoy the season”
Why oh why does it
Have to be against the team
Least deserving it?
Least deserving it?
Read: Team Dave MN dislikes the most
Blackburn is going to pull a Palin. He’ll wither under the pressure. He’ll say he can see the playoffs from his hotel room. He’ll stammer and mutter, “… and I’ve got to keep the ball down and away, and … and I’ve got to stay ahead in the count … and … and …” then he’ll wet his pants. There will be a little puddle on the mound and everything.
It. Will. Not. Be. Pretty.
To follows the analogy, if Palin wets her pants it will be for a far different reason than nerves, and it’s not Biden since as far as I can see it, he looks more like a sinister old sly fox than any handsome hunter at her door…
