Blake

Joe not only shows how to take away a hit to right, he also shows the correct way to get a hit to right. And, I did look out the window and, sad to say, no pigs went flying by.

Maybe that's why they wave and jump in pools, to lure in the unsuspecting. Sort of reminds of the Twins over the last few years...

2 of three from the Jays, who've been Kryptonite to the Twins? Good deal.

I want to know what's got into Gibson. 7 strikeouts in 6.2 innings? Two decent performances in a row? Cool. Let see if Mr. Gibson can hit the trifecta.

I was miffed to have missed this game due to work. However, after checking the score, no longer miffed for the missed game.

The only reason to go to Olive Garden is to remind yourself of why you avoided the place to begin with. Uggh.

A legend and a debut in the same game. Nice bookends.

That's more like it!

I thought this was a terrible signing and I'm glad I was wrong.

When? Did we stop at some point?

I've never seen a pitcher so unimpressed, no matter the situation, as Colon. Colon has grown on me.

Old school. I love it!

Tron-Tronno...work with me, here, willya!

Yeah, Tronno seems a bit weird:

Remember, though, to spay or neuter all pets. This has been a public announcement.

McCarthy is only mostly dead then? 1/2 of 1/2 is 1/4, I believe.

I'm quite sure the Sox are wondering where the Holland of tonight and the Shields of last night have been the last couple of months.

It never ceases to amaze me how fast an inning can unravel.

Oh you crazy Canadians.

Beats hitching them to a sled to fetch beer... in July.

I had a lot of fun as per usual, and a shout out to the mods for letting me use their names without really questioning just what I might have in store for them. Again, though, I want to know how Brian does all the series openers. I can understand the first few, but by the time the season hits August...

I thought I'd relate this spring training tidbit. I swear, the following story is absolutely true. A buddy of mine and I were at Spring Training, watching Chris Sale show a few batters who's the boss. My buddy leaned over and said, "Watch this, I'll get Chris to pitch to me." I looked back and said, "Yeah, right." Buddy: "No, seriously, Sale will pitch to me. I swear." Not wanting to entertain my buddies delusions, I merely nodded and watched as Mr. Sale sent batter after batter back to the dugout. Next thing I know, I see a guy who looks somewhat familiar settling into the batters box, getting ready to take a few swings. And I could swear he was talking trash to Chris Sale! Needless to say, after a few awkward swings, along with some chin music, my buddy returned all smiles. I looked at him and asked him how in the world he pulled that off and was Chris Sale some sort of college roommate once removed? Nope, he replied, "First time I've ever talked to Mr. Sale." Finally, after I couldn't take it any more, I begged him to tell me how he pulled it off. He said it was easy. I merely mocked Chris and told him I could easily hit his stuff. I looked back and said, "No way that was enough to get Mr. Sale to pitch to you!" My buddy smiled and said, "Well, I might have bet Mr. Sale a good sum of money that I could hit him. Money talks." I said, "Okay, and how much did that cost you?" "$5,000," was his reply. "$5,000," I said? Where in he world did you get $5,000!!" "I bet a bunch of friends a total of $15,000 before we left that Chris Sale would pitch to me in Spring Training," my buddy said, with a smile. Anyway, with that long convoluted joke behind us, it's time for today's game thread. The final game of a 5 game series at Whatever Field. Let's hope the Twins brought the bats and club the White Sox into oblivion this evening. Some random thoughts: Tabula Rasa! On the mound for the Twins: Jose Berrios For the White Sox: Derek Holland. Lineups: Twins: 1. Brian Dozier ® 2B 2. Jorge Polanco (S) SS 3. Byron Buxton ® CF 4. Eduardo Escobar (S) DH 5. Mitch Garver ® 1B 6. Eddie Rosario (L) RF 7. Chris Gimenez ® C 8. Ehire Adrianza (S) 3B 9. Zack Granite (L) LF White Sox: 1. Leury Garcia (S) RF 2. Yoan Moncada (S) 2B 3. Jose Abreu ® 1B 4. Nicky Delmonico (L) LF 5. Kevan Smith ® DH 6. Yolmer Sanchez (S) 3B 7. Tim Anderson ® SS 8. Omar Narvaez (L) C 9. Adam Engel ® CF Play ball!