Weird schedule this year means ALDS has a day off between games one and two while the NLDS series has a day off between games two and three.
Braves vs Phillies, TBD p.m. on FOX
Zack Wheeler vs Kyle Wright
Game delayed to unknown start time.
Padres vs Dodgers, 7:37 p.m. on FS1
Yu Darvish vs Clayton Kershaw
Things have been a little down around here lately, and not necessarily without reason. But let's not lose sight of the fact that, at it's heart, baseball is fun. And in that spirit, here is my lineup of my favorite non-Twins. Here are my guidelines:
These are just my favorite players to watch. Not the best, not who I would build a team around, just guys who in their own way bring me some measure of joy when I watch them play ball. And of course, there is no accounting for taste. So y'all should share your favorites too. Follow my rules or don't, it's up to you. I'm not your mother.
WARNING: GIFs abound after the jump
Continue reading My Favorite Non-Twins
The Twins try to end this streak of uninspiring play. Phil Hughes gets the start, so that's a good sign.
The Rangers counter with Yu Darvish, which is... less encouraging.
let's see if we can combine some good pitching with some good offense.
Game 1:
Cardinals v Braves, 4:00 PM CDT
Kyle Lohse v Kris Medlen
I'll admit, I picked the Braves because Medlen has been amazing.
Game 2:
Orioles v Rangers, 7:30 PM CDT
Joe Saunders v Yu Darvish
Seriously? Joe Saunders in the Must Win game?
Today, the Twins will be trotting out this lineup:
1. Span, CF
2. Caroll, SS
3. Mauer, C
4. Morneau, DH
5. Willingham, LF
6. Doumit, RF
7. Valencia, 3B
8. Parmelee, 1B
9. Casilla, 2B
If that lineup looks familiar, it's because it was the opening day lineup, and most likely the one the management hoping to get a lot of mileage out of. Whether or not this is the lineup that the team ends up with, and whether or not it's the one that shows some punch, it's worth noting that this is the third time they've used it in this young season. I'm sure you remember that the team used their opening day lineup precisely never after opening day, partially due to Nishioka getting hurt, then sucking horribly, partially due to a million injuries. What you might not be aware of is the fact that there were only 3 lineups that ended up being used 3 times over the entire of last year, and none that were used more than three times.
The Twins probably won't contend for anything this year, but at least it's looking like we'll have a fairly consistent lineup to see day after day. There's a bit of comfort in that.
Today, Nick Blackburn (4.04 xFIP, 7.50 ERA) tries to find a little bit more luck, while Yu Darvish (5.23 xFIP, 7.94 ERA) tries to show that his ugly first start wasn't the shape of things to come.
Total team record, 2-5
Saturday record, 0-1
