Oh Look, A Baseball Game! – Lineups And Game Preview 7/19

The All-Star break, it seems long. Ages ago the White Sox engaged in a baseball game, an entire series of baseball games. They were long and delayed and went into extra innings but we all just watched because we knew that there were dark times ahead. Those dark times are over, we’ve survived (if you didn’t survive I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to offend you with my presumption), and it’s time for the “second half” as they say. The Braves are in town, a rare occurrence, though they did make an appearance at The Cell in 2010 when the White Sox were preparing to run off a stretch of wins that would provide the illusion of team quality that made them trade deadline buyers instead of sellers. There isn’t a whole lot of hope for any such stretch this season, and if the Sox end up being anything other than sellers in the next couple of weeks it seems like there are a whole lot of wasted articles being written.

John Danks starts things off for the White Sox coming off of one of those quality start thingies, having gone 6.1 against the Phillies before the break and allowing just 3 runs. You’d have to go all the way back to June 20th against the Twins for the last non-quality start from Danks, and also the last time that he didn’t pitch into the 7th inning. After a less than encouraging start to the season Danks has been a pleasant surprise with his “good enough” stat lines.

For the Braves, Tim Hudson steps in. He is also dancing the league average line this season after having had spent some time impressing. He’s had quite a few starts against the Sox as a member of the A’s and he didn’t typically fare very well, giving up large amounts of runs in nearly every one. Of course, those White Sox teams had Frank Thomas and Magglio Ordonez hitting in the middle of the order…

Each day that you see a White Sox lineup could be the last time that exact one gets posted. Trade rumors are everywhere and only Konerko is safe, offensively. Though you’ll have to wait a tad longer to see him in the lineup, currently on rehab assignment but reportedly ready to return soon.

Today’s Lineup:

1.De Aza – CF
2.Alexei – SS
3.Rios – RF
4.Dunn – DH
5.Keppinger – 1B
6.Gillaspie – 3B
7.Viciedo – LF
8.Beckham – 2B
9.Phegley – C

I’m definitely interested to see how long Gordon Beckham can continue to be the most productive player (it hasn’t been very long) and remain at the bottom of the order.

Atlanta Braves Lineup:

1.Jose Constanza – LF
2.Reed Johnson – CF
3.Justin Upton – RF
4.Brian McCann – C
5.Evan Gattis – DH
6.Dan Uggla – 2B
7.Chris Johnson – 3B
8.Andrelton Simmons – SS
9.Joey Terdoslavich – 1B

The Braves are down an Upton, Jayson Heyward and also Freddie Freeman. Doesn’t make it easy, but it makes it easier.

Where to Watch
Today’s game will be broadcast on CSN and Fox Sports South. 7:10 Central start time.