Friday, May 04, 2007
WEEKEND SERIES SOX-TWINS PREVIEW
A three game series in the ‘Dome, where the Twins dominate, should be a test for the Sox. Here is a pitching preview.
Game 1 – Tim Wakefield vs. Carlos Silva
Wake always does better in domes, although Torii Hunter hits the knuckleball well going 379/379/621. Wake's next start should be inside as well north of the border. Silva is a control pitcher, a nibbler that the Sox of a few years ago would crush, unless he is perfect like Jon Leiber back in the ALCS. Right now, it is too early to tell if this is a patient and slugging lineup similar to the lineups of a few years ago.
Game 2 – Jules Tavarez vs. Johan Santana
Jules gets the other team's #1 again and this time it may not be as favorable. Because Santana is nasty. He is the best pitcher on the planet. It could also be a good time for Ortiz to take his first day off and give Wily Mo Pena a start at DH. WMP could do better than most since Santana does not have a real breaking ball to be worry about.
Game 3 – Curt Schilling vs. Sydney Bristow
Unfortunately, we will be watching Sidney Ponson, although the Sox should kick the crap out of him. Ponson is just not a good pitcher. Manny and Ortiz crush him. Tek and Hinske hit Ponson well too. After playing two on turf and Hinske's success against Ponson, it would be a good opportunity to give Youk or Lowell a day off.
To sum up, the turf may not be as fast or the ‘Dome as loud as it once was, but it is still a tough place to play. The pitching schedule is also favorable for the Twins. Santana going on Saturday and an off day on Monday should allow Ron Gardenhire the opportunity to go to the deep and dominating pen early in and often on Friday and Sunday, if necessary.
***
This post made possible by TicketLiquidator, your broker for baseball tickets and other cheap tickets.
A three game series in the ‘Dome, where the Twins dominate, should be a test for the Sox. Here is a pitching preview.
Game 1 – Tim Wakefield vs. Carlos Silva
Wake always does better in domes, although Torii Hunter hits the knuckleball well going 379/379/621. Wake's next start should be inside as well north of the border. Silva is a control pitcher, a nibbler that the Sox of a few years ago would crush, unless he is perfect like Jon Leiber back in the ALCS. Right now, it is too early to tell if this is a patient and slugging lineup similar to the lineups of a few years ago.
Game 2 – Jules Tavarez vs. Johan Santana
Jules gets the other team's #1 again and this time it may not be as favorable. Because Santana is nasty. He is the best pitcher on the planet. It could also be a good time for Ortiz to take his first day off and give Wily Mo Pena a start at DH. WMP could do better than most since Santana does not have a real breaking ball to be worry about.
Game 3 – Curt Schilling vs. Sydney Bristow
Unfortunately, we will be watching Sidney Ponson, although the Sox should kick the crap out of him. Ponson is just not a good pitcher. Manny and Ortiz crush him. Tek and Hinske hit Ponson well too. After playing two on turf and Hinske's success against Ponson, it would be a good opportunity to give Youk or Lowell a day off.
To sum up, the turf may not be as fast or the ‘Dome as loud as it once was, but it is still a tough place to play. The pitching schedule is also favorable for the Twins. Santana going on Saturday and an off day on Monday should allow Ron Gardenhire the opportunity to go to the deep and dominating pen early in and often on Friday and Sunday, if necessary.
***
This post made possible by TicketLiquidator, your broker for baseball tickets and other cheap tickets.
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