MINNEAPOLIS -- Contrary to popular belief, the 2008 regular-season schedule for the White Sox does not end on Thursday night, following a three-game series at the Metrodome.
Actually, a three-game road sweep of the Twins would officially clinch the American League Central title. But with the White Sox holding a 3-9 record over their last 12 games played in Minneapolis, a sweep seems unlikely.
In an ironic twist, the White Sox drive to finish off their second division championship in the past four years will probably conclude at home against the Tribe. It's the same Indians who stood one win away from reaching the 2007 World Series, and it's the Indians, along with the Tigers, who were listed as the co-favorites in the AL Central prior to the start of the 2008 season. It's the Indians who the White Sox also swept out of a possible Wild Card berth during the final weekend of 2005 at Jacobs Field.
Now, it's Cleveland that could possibly knock out Chicago during the South Siders' final three games at home. So, manager Ozzie Guillen's crew wants to leave little room for chance by taking care of business in Minnesota, beginning on Tuesday.
"I'm sure Cleveland would like nothing better than to come into our house and knock us out of the playoffs," said White Sox reliever Matt Thornton, who has an ERA standing a shade over 1.00 over his last 17 games. "Any team in that situation, that's out of it, would like nothing better than to ruin another team's playoff chances."
There is also a chance that the White Sox season could extend past Sunday. If the White Sox and Twins are within a half-game of each other when the season wraps up on Sunday, the White Sox will have to make up a rainout at home on Monday against the Tigers. If that scenario occurs, and the White Sox lose to Detroit, there would be a one-game playoff against the Twins on Tuesday, Sept. 30, at U.S. Cellular Field.
But before the White Sox can think of going home, they embark on the biggest series within this division of the 2008 campaign. Both teams have made adjustments in their starting rotation to best prepare for these three games.
Glen Perkins, the Twins' struggling southpaw, is being skipped in this series, with Scott Baker, Nick Blackburn and Kevin Slowey taking the mound for the second-place Twins. Baker has a 1-0 record against the White Sox, Blackburn stands at 1-2 with 6.14 ERA and Slowey also has a 1-2 mark with a 5.82 ERA.
Joe Nathan has three saves in four games against the White Sox this season and 16 lifetime, with a 1.51 ERA over 35 2/3 innings. For the better part of the past five seasons Nathan has closed for the Twins, it seems like these two teams perennially fight right down to the wire for the AL Central crown.
White Sox Pitching ProbablesMONDAY
Off-dayTUESDAY
at Twins, 7:10 p.m.
Javier Vazquez (12-14, 4.32) vs. Scott Baker (9-4, 3.69 )WEDNESDAY
at Twins, 7:10 p.m.
Mark Buehrle (14-11, 3.87) vs. Nick Blackburn (10-10, 4.15)THURSDAY
at Twins, 7:10 p.m.
Gavin Floyd (16-8, 3.84) vs. Kevin Slowey (12-11, 3.85)FRIDAY
vs. Indians, 7:11 p.m.
John Danks (11-8, 3.20) vs. Scott Lewis (3-0, 1.42)SATURDAY
vs. Indians, 6:05 p.m.
TBD vs. Zach Jackson (0-3, 6.48) SUNDAY
vs. Indians, 1:05
TBD vs. Cliff Lee (22-2, 2.41)MONDAY
vs. Tigers (if necessary)
"That's kind of the way it's been since I've been here," Nathan said. "It always seems like Chicago is around. This is fun, what baseball is all about. We have a good rivalry with them and I think we are at least happy heading home and playing them in our park. It gives us the best chance to try and make a comeback."
The White Sox know all about Minnesota's magic at the Metrodome. Back in 2003, during Jerry Manuel's last year at the helm, Minnesota took three straight at home from Sept. 16-18 and sent the White Sox back to Chicago with a 3 1/2-game deficit.
If the White Sox face the same sort of troubles this week, they will return home without a piece of first place for the first time since Aug. 23. Guillen comprehends the challenge, but also realizes the Twins won't approach these contests any differently -- even with the season hanging in the balance.
"They're not going to play any higher or any lower," Guillen said. "They always play at the same level. They know they have to win those games, but so do we. We have to be prepared for them and I think we are."
"It's been well-documented we haven't done well in the Dome," added White Sox starter John Danks, who will not pitch against the Twins, but will start Friday against the Indians. "But we can't do anything about the past now. Hopefully, we can pitch three good games and score enough runs to win."
Minnesota manager Ron Gardenhire, who Guillen often refers to as one of the best in the game, knows the onus is on his squad as the team chasing the leader.
"We normally play well [at home], but we have to go prove it," Gardenhire said. "Talk about it all you want to, but now we have to go home and show them what we are made of."
With three right-handed starters for Minnesota, left-handed-hitting Dewayne Wise could play an integral role for the White Sox. Wise has emerged as one of the better fourth outfielders in the AL and has reached base in eight straight games, posting a .325 average during that time.
Mark Buehrle carries a 21-12 lifetime mark against the Twins into his Wednesday start at the Metrodome, while Gavin Floyd has a 3-1 ledger with a 1.86 ERA when facing Minnesota this season. That total includes a no-hitter taken into the ninth by Floyd during a home game on May 6. Buehrle, Floyd and Javier Vazquez were brought back this week on three days' rest to set them up for this series.
A three-game sweep allows Guillen to set his playoff rotation for the first round, using fifth-starter candidates after Danks this weekend against the Indians. A loss or two means Vazquez and Buehrle could work on three days' rest again, and give Cleveland a small shot for vindication this season.
Guillen's choice would be to celebrate on the road, just as they did in all four important moments of 2005.
"I've seen Minnesota clinch in our ballpark once," said Guillen, referring to the 2004 season. "I hope we can clinch in theirs. It would be nice, but I don't know what's going to happen."
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