Now that the White Sox have solved this “scoring runs” riddle… – Lineups & Preview 9/17

Sep 11, 2013; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago White Sox starting pitcher

(62) delivers a pitch against the Detroit Tigers during the first inning at U.S Cellular Field. Mandatory Credit: Rob Grabowski-USA TODAY Sports

“Lean in for this one,” I pleaded in a gravelly, ominous tone to my fiance and my disinterested roommate. They had just expressed their confusion as to why a highlight of Jordan Danks‘ double off the top of right-center field wall was being looped, and why–thanks to CSN Chicago playing the wrong part of it repeatedly–a ball that was obviously caught being reviewed for so long. But also, they were confused, given my five-plus months spent moaning in agony on the couch, about the score of Monday night’s game.

“The Twins might be as bad at pitching at the White Sox are at hitting.”

Gasps were heard. My statement had hit its mark. Lives were changed.

My statement was also a bit of a lie.

Twins pitching is bad, but they have a competent, even commendable bullpen. It’s only their starting pitching that can compare to the White Sox offensive ineptitude. The White Sox blew out the Twins Monday night because one of their starters–Liam Hendriks, retiring two of the first 10 hitters he faced–drove the game off a cliff and another one of their starters–Cole DeVries, allowing three home runs–rappelled down to the cliff floor and fired a few hundred more rounds into the already exploded game.

But they wanted to know why the hell the White Sox were winning 7-0, and now they’ll know and can tell other less-than-even-casual baseball fans this little nugget when a game where the Twins are getting blown out is on in a bar….possibly tonight, since Mike Pelfrey is pitching and he’s allowed 12 runs in nine innings this month.

Also, we’re officially at the part of the year where there’s no point in extolling the virtues of a bullpen of a non-playoff team. They’ll stop playing in two weeks, they’re filled with call-ups now, and they could be completely different in their level of quality next season.

So, the lineups!

White Sox lineup

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

Jose Quintana, SP

Don’t look now but Jordan Danks’ strikeout-ridden, BABIP-inflated batting line on the season is an above-average .256/.336/.408 and Gordon Beckham is right back to being hidden from pressure at the back of the lineup as a means of resuscitation.

Minnesota Twins lineup:

1. Darin Mastroianni – CF
2. Brian Dozier – 2B
3. Trevor Plouffe – 3B
4. Oswaldo Arcia – RF
5. Ryan Doumit – DH
6. Josh Willingham – LF
7. Josmil Pinto – C
8. Chris Colabello – 1B
9. Pedro Florimon – SS

Mike Pelfrey, SP

Where to Watch: 7:10 pm CT on CSN Chicago and Fox Sports North

Follow James Fegan on Twitter @JRFegan