White Sox, Blue Jays’ aces try to get back to being aces – Lineups 4/18

Believe it or not, the White Sox could be on the verge of a series win, as well as a win streak. Losing their first 5 games on the road is a sure-fire way of lowering expectations. The team is 3-1 since Sunday, and looking to bring a 3 game win streak with them back home to face the Twins tomorrow. All that stands in their way is last year’s NL Cy Young winner. Dickey settled in for his first good outing against the Royals on Saturday. Prior to that he’d given up 12 runs in less than 11 innings and there is no conversion rate, for Canada or the knuckleball that can make that a good thing. Worries about J.P. Arencibia’s ability to catch Dickey’s knuckleball have been shifted to 41 year old veteran Henry Blanco. Any passed palls are Hank White’s problem now as he’s taken over the duty of corralling whatever R.A. tosses towards the plate.

It’s a battle of the aces, and Chris Sale has had some troubles of his own, getting touched up for 8 runs in his last outing and not making it out of the 5th inning. Prior to that his results are what we’ve come to expect from the lead lefty, he brought a 1.84 ERA into Cleveland for that ill-fated outing. Though his ERA now sits north of 5, there is utmost confidence that he can get back on track and bring the Sox home winners.

Today’s Lineup:

1. Dewayne Wise – CF
2. Jeff Keppinger – 2B
3. Alex Rios – RF
4. Paul Konerko – DH
5. Adam Dunn – 1B
6. Dayan Viciedo – LF
7. Alexei Ramirez – SS
8. Conor Gillaspie – 3B
9. Tyler Flowers – C

Tyler Flowers and his casual new batting stance has brought in some nice early results. He’s never faced Dickey but there’s nothing to derail comfort in his new stance like a few whirling knuckleballs. He can at least take solace in the fact that he doesn’t have to catch it.

Robin Ventura has decided that since DeWayne Wise possesses speed he should be leading off. Ability to get on base be damned. Yes, R.A. Dickey is a right-handed pitcher but Wise does not have a giant platoon split. He hits for more power against righties but his on-base skills, which is perhaps the most important piece of top of the order hitting, still lack: .269 career against RHP.

Toronto Blue Jays Lineup:

1. Rajai Davis – RF
2. Melky Cabrera – LF
3. J.P. Arencibia – DH
4. Edwin Encarnacion – 1B
5. Brett Lawrie – 3B
6. Maicer Izturis – 2B
7. Emilio Bonifacio – CF
8. Henry Blanco – C
9. Munenori Kawasaki – SS

The Blue Jays should probably have more safeguards in place between their normal lineup, and a lineup bookended by Munenori Kawasaki and Rajai Davis.

Where to Watch
Today’s White Sox game will be shown on CSN for the Chicago area and will be broadcast on SNET for those north of the border. 6:07 Central start time.