Article: That's The Ticket: Spring Arrives

[Nick Nelson]

We've had a few false starts, but it looks like this is the week spring officially arrives in the Twin Cities. The forecast calls for sunny days all week, with highs reaching the 70s.

 

It's perfect baseball weather, and the Twins are returning home just in time, with a 10-game homestand opening against a pair of divisional opponents. Let's dig in and unpack this first three-game set against Detroit.Overview

 

With the season now three weeks old, the Twins have faced every American League Central opponent, and have managed to record at least one win against each of them except Detroit. The Tigers, who thoroughly dismantled Minnesota at Comerica to open the season, have had their way with just about everyone, notching an AL-leading 13 wins.

 

Can the Twins exact some revenge at home, where they've won both series thus far? They'll have their work cut out for them.

 

Pitching Tilts

 

Monday, 7:10 PM: David Price (LHP) vs. Tommy Milone (LHP)

 

Price is coming off a horrendous bad-weather outing against the Yankees in which he was shelled for eight runs on 10 hits. Prior to that, he had allowed only one earned run in 22 1/3 innings. Milone was terrific in his first start but hasn't pitched all that well since.

 

Tuesday, 7:10 PM: Anibal Sanchez (RHP) vs. Mike Pelfrey (RHP)

 

Since shutting down the Twins in his first turn this year, Sanchez has allowed 15 runs in 16 innings. Pelfrey delivered his best start in a Twins uniform last Wednesday, hurling seven shutout innings in Kansas City.

 

Wednesday, 12:10 PM: Shane Greene (RHP) vs. Phil Hughes (RHP)

 

Greene's red-hot start came to a screeching halt on Friday, when the Indians knocked him around for eight runs on nine hits in four innings. Hughes has been solid for the most part but has been susceptible to the long ball, with six homers allowed in four starts.

 

Ticket King currently has cheap tickets available for every game. Which should you attend? That depends on what you're looking for…

 

Want a Pitcher's Duel?

 

Price's last outing was clearly affected by the cold, snowy conditions in Detroit. No such circumstances will be in play on Monday night, which is expected to be clear and pleasant. Price has a 2.27 career ERA against the Twins, and shut them down on Opening Day, so Minnesota will need Milone to bring everything he's got. He has a 3.37 ERA through three starts, two of which have come against a Royals team that leads the AL in OPS.

 

Best Choice: Monday

 

Want an Intriguing Match-Up?

 

I'm especially curious to see Sanchez and Pelfrey face off on Tuesday. Fresh off an outing where he seemingly figured some things out and gained confidence, Pelfrey can make a statement by following up against another very tough lineup.

 

Best Choice: Tuesday

 

Want to Catch a Tan?

 

The forecast for Wednesday's noon start calls for lots of sun and a high of 71. If you play hooky and grab some lower-deck tickets you'll likely be able to add a little color on the arms and face. With the Twins sending their best starter out against a reeling Greene, I'd say this is also the most favorable match-up in the series, so you might take in a win along with those rays.

 

Best Choice: Wednesday

 

Click here to view the article

[Otto von Ballpark]

If you are a big spender, there are $130 (each) tickets in the Champions Club row 3 right behind home plate (section 9) for tonight, $117 if you use the DAILYDOUBLE discount code:

 

http://www.ticketkingonline.com/ResultsTicket.aspx?evtid=2412281

 

TDers can comment on your choice of clothing while we watch the game.

[JB_Iowa]

I don't know about the TC but our weather would give a beautiful night for a ballgame.

 

Warm, no wind, clear skies.

 

Hope that's what it looks like in Minnesota.

[Otto von Ballpark]

In my continuing quest to pass on interesting ticket deals, there are $100 tickets behind home plate in the Champions Club for this afternoon's game ($90 each after discount code):

 

http://www.ticketkingonline.com/ResultsTicket.aspx?evtid=2412283

 

And you probably won't be spotted skipping work, since the game isn't televised on FSN.