MINNESOTA:
Noticed a lot of people on the White Sox today, so before I head into work, I thought I'd throw some of my keys I see in Minny today:
First of all, the really only negative I see in this one is the fact Lohse just faced the ChiSox on July 24th, and pitched great. Then again Burhle just faced the Twins on July 23th at Minny and got hit very hard....I EXPECT MUCH THE SAME.
There's a reason Lohse is a career 4-0 vs the ChiSox and that has a lot to do with the the White Sox being a mostly righty-dominated lineup. If you look at the averages Lohse allows to lefties and righties:
Lohse career vs lefties allowing a .342 average to batters.
Lohse career vs righties
AN AMAZING AVERAGE OF JUST .221 to batters.
It's a huge key in this game especially when you throw in the fact, that the White Sox just traded away 2 veteran would-be lefty bats tonight away in Loften and Durham. Even if there replacements bat lefty...they are still inexperienced.
Lohse did give up 4 runs to the Sox on a game back in June, but really was cruising into the 7th. Up until that point, he just allowed 2 solo homers.
Throw in the fact the White Sox after the trades are definately viewing themselves as out of the race...really don't know what their mental status is. Also, even though it looks like the Twins got it wrapped up, look for them to be fired up this series for the knockout blow.
Burhle is starting for the Sox, and even though the Twins hit lefties a little worse than righties, The Twins have had very good success vs Burhle, especially this season.
Burhle is a pitcher that will induce a lot of ground balls which is one reason, I expect him to struggle on the turf at the dome again. The Twins use the speed of the Turf to their big advantage and should be able to capitalize again tonight with his pitching style.
If you look at Burhle's career ERA in Domes, its at 5.31

which is almost 2 full runs higher than his career ERA outdoors.
There's more to it than what I noted, just think people are missing some key angles in this one.
Good luck to all....headin into work :thumb:
-ndnfan