THREE in a row? The White Sox?! – Lineup & Preview 8/18

So the White Sox swept the Yankees earlier this month and it is thus, not that long since they strung together what’s called “a winning streak,” but it had been two month drought before that. A win this Sunday would give the White Sox a 9-9 record for the month. Maybe all those pre-season projections that said the White Sox were a 70-something win team coming into the year weren’t so crazy after all.

White Sox Lineup:

1. Alejandro De Aza – CF
2. Gordon Beckham – 2B
3. Alexei Ramirez – SS
4. Adam Dunn – DH
5. Paul Konerko – 1B
6. Avisail Garcia – RF
7. Jeff Keppinger – 3B
8. Dayan Viciedo – LF
9. Josh Phegley – C

Hector Santiago, SP

Here’s some actual keys to the game:

Konerko: One extra-base hit in his last seven games. His power remains completely absent. It’s nice to keep him in the middle of the order as a sign of respect. It’s also losing ballgames. Just be aware of that.

Beckham: Has sacrificed his power for more contact, and since neither one can steal bases efficiently, he’s probably a better leadoff man candidate than De Aza at the moment.

Garcia: Please hit a ball in the air today. It’s what future power hitters do.

Keppinger: Starting against a right-hander again. He’s been brutally unplayable against both sides, but at least lefties can never strike him out.

Phegley: Stop swinging!

Minnesota Twins Lineup:

1. Brian Dozier – 2B
2. Joe Mauer – C
3. Josh Willingham – LF
4. Justin Morneau – 1B
5. Ryan Doumit  – C
6. Trevor Plouffe – 3B
7. Oswaldo Arcia – RF
8. Wilkin Ramirez  – CF
9. Pedro Florimon – SS

Samuel Deduno, SP

Last year, Deduno was notorious for throwing a crazy display of breaking balls, and throwing less of them for strikes than any typical major leaguer would allow himself to do. Now the Twins have really got their hands on him and he’s become unremarkable in every aspect.

Where to Watch: 1:10 PM CT on CSN Chicago, Fox Sports-North

Follow James Fegan on Twitter @JRFegan