Open Game Thread: The (Real) Last Game of the Season
After emerging victorious after last night's should-have-been-a-meaningless-game-but-played-like-a-playoff-game contest, the White Sox have extended their season at least one more day, as they have given themselves yet one more chance to play in October.
Tied with a regular-season record of 88-74, the two unlikely competitors in the AL Central will meet this afternoon in the ultimate baseball game; one will advance to the ALDS against Tampa Bay, and one will go home to start the off-season. Even in the playoffs themselves, teams get to play at least three games. But this is one--and only one--to decide an 162-game season.
And bonus stats for fantasy players!
Of course, any fan of the White Sox will tell you that they shouldn't be here at all; that the Sox should have wrapped up the division during the last series with Minnesota. And it's true; all they needed was one win, and the division crown was theirs. But the Twins, with other ideas, completed a three-game sweep of the White Sox, to the delight of the home crowd, earning the right to play tonight.
For the fourth straight game, the White Sox will be starting a pitcher on 3 days rest, as John Danks takes the mound against Nick Blackburn for what will be the last game before the playoffs. Those start tomorrow, and they're gonna be good!
And hey...no dome tonight! (Can you imagine an all-domed ALDS; what has happened to baseball?)
Lineups:
Minnesota Twins
Span, RF
Casilla, 2B
Mauer, C
Morneau, 1B
Cuddyer, DH
Young, LF
Harris, 3B
Punto, SS
Gomez, CF
Chicago White Sox
Cabrera, SS
Wise, LF
Dye, RF
Thome, DH
Konerko, 1B
Griffey Jr. CF
Ramirez, 2B
Pierzynski, C
Uribe, 3B
Let's go whatever-team-you're-rooting-for!!!!
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Comments
Yay, bonus baseball - day 2!
If I don't comment on your comment how will you know you are completely wrong? -Rocktopus
by pam5981 on Sep 30, 2008 4:20 PM PDT 0 recs
I know! I LOVE IT!!!!
So, bring on Bonds! Or, not... then, bring back Langerhans!! -One won lost one
by baseballgirl on
Sep 30, 2008 4:22 PM PDT
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Apparently nobody else agrees with us.
Where are youuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuu?
If I don't comment on your comment how will you know you are completely wrong? -Rocktopus
by pam5981 on
Sep 30, 2008 4:30 PM PDT
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bonus baseball!! yay!!!
(sorry, was getting my car smogged)
There's no crying in baseball!
by gigglingone on
Sep 30, 2008 5:46 PM PDT
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Makes me wonder
if the pitching-on-3-days-rest trend will stick. Seems we’ve seen quite a bit of it this past week with some actual success (ok, small sample size people, come and get me).
I'm here to talk about the past.
by 67MARQUEZ on Sep 30, 2008 4:30 PM PDT 0 recs
It's not the game you pitch on 3-days rest that usually matters
It’s the next game or three that seem to be affected.
by thejd44 on
Sep 30, 2008 4:32 PM PDT
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Is that Ron Darling who just said Torii Hunter was the Twins' best player?
Apparently he’s not familiar with the catcher and first baseman.
by thejd44 on Sep 30, 2008 4:33 PM PDT 0 recs
Hahaha...
So, bring on Bonds! Or, not... then, bring back Langerhans!! -One won lost one
by baseballgirl on
Sep 30, 2008 4:43 PM PDT
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It would've made more sense to do a "white out"
Because from far away, everybody wearing black just makes the park look empty.
by thejd44 on Sep 30, 2008 4:36 PM PDT 0 recs
Could you imaging this being the A's?
I wouldn’t be able to handle it.
But he came back. And there was much rejoicing.
by Jennifer on Sep 30, 2008 4:36 PM PDT 0 recs
No kidding.
Pretty sure I would’ve exploded by now.
by whiteshoes40 on
Sep 30, 2008 4:37 PM PDT
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I'd need to be scraped off the ceiling.
But he came back. And there was much rejoicing.
by Jennifer on
Sep 30, 2008 4:37 PM PDT
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OT: I missed last night's Prison Break
I have it waiting here to watch. Is it good enough to watch it during this game or should I just wait until after The Shield later on?
by thejd44 on Sep 30, 2008 4:40 PM PDT 0 recs
Wait till later. It wasn’t the best episode ever.
by justarebelheart on
Sep 30, 2008 4:54 PM PDT
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A low-tech, non-Flash game log
is here at the Minneapolis Star-Tribune site. for anyone else who’s at work in a Gameday-unfriendly environment.
Don't blame me, I voted for Bill King.
by Englishmajor on Sep 30, 2008 4:40 PM PDT 0 recs
I object to a non-A's game thread on AN
The monster at the end of this blog.
by grover on Sep 30, 2008 4:40 PM PDT 0 recs
You were out voted.
But he came back. And there was much rejoicing.
by Jennifer on
Sep 30, 2008 4:41 PM PDT
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I could say something snarky in reply
but you’re not worth it.
The monster at the end of this blog.
by grover on
Sep 30, 2008 4:43 PM PDT
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Ow.
But he came back. And there was much rejoicing.
by Jennifer on
Sep 30, 2008 4:44 PM PDT
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You're right, we should be talking about tonight's A's game instead!
Oh, wait.
by thejd44 on
Sep 30, 2008 4:42 PM PDT
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Did you really want to watch the A's offense 1 more time?
The monster at the end of this blog.
by grover on
Sep 30, 2008 4:46 PM PDT
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I object to no A's game in October
dammit
"However, at Elias, I think they keep track of the amount of sunflower seeds spit in a dugout each night." - Brad Ziegler, 8/7/08
by doctorK on
Sep 30, 2008 4:42 PM PDT
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Me too, but no one gave me a vote!
So, bring on Bonds! Or, not... then, bring back Langerhans!! -One won lost one
by baseballgirl on
Sep 30, 2008 4:44 PM PDT
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Schedule's bad enough as is
The monster at the end of this blog.
by grover on
Sep 30, 2008 4:45 PM PDT
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Since we got an official Anthem download...
I thinking maybe I should use AN’s power to have a few A’s exhibition games during winter.
But he came back. And there was much rejoicing.
by Jennifer on
Sep 30, 2008 4:46 PM PDT
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I'll see what I can do.
But he came back. And there was much rejoicing.
by Jennifer on
Sep 30, 2008 4:51 PM PDT
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Ouch.
But he came back. And there was much rejoicing.
by Jennifer on Sep 30, 2008 4:41 PM PDT 0 recs
Is the game on ESPN?
Eveland rocks! Eveland rocks! Somewhere Drew Carey just smiled.
by miggyk2 on Sep 30, 2008 4:42 PM PDT 0 recs
TBS
"However, at Elias, I think they keep track of the amount of sunflower seeds spit in a dugout each night." - Brad Ziegler, 8/7/08
by doctorK on
Sep 30, 2008 4:43 PM PDT
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You know, I don't think so.
Did you check TBS? I think it’s on there, but I don’t remember where I heard that.
But he came back. And there was much rejoicing.
by Jennifer on
Sep 30, 2008 4:47 PM PDT
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It is too bad Swisher isn't playing tonight
(for the Twins)
Eveland rocks! Eveland rocks! Somewhere Drew Carey just smiled.
by miggyk2 on Sep 30, 2008 4:46 PM PDT 0 recs
I'm pretty sure the Twins are thrilled with Dewayne Wise in the 2 hole
by thejd44 on
Sep 30, 2008 4:46 PM PDT
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I would be pissed if Wise tried to get into my 2 hole
Eveland rocks! Eveland rocks! Somewhere Drew Carey just smiled.
by miggyk2 on
Sep 30, 2008 4:47 PM PDT
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Did you have to go there?
Although I think you’ve got the numbers mixed up if you’re talking about pissing and the #2 hole
The monster at the end of this blog.
by grover on
Sep 30, 2008 4:48 PM PDT
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Ugh, Harold Reynolds is doing it, too
Why do people assume Wise is really fast? Is it because he’s black? He’s a pretty decent defensive player, but he’s not that fast at all.
by thejd44 on Sep 30, 2008 4:48 PM PDT 0 recs
Just give up!
You are out!
But he came back. And there was much rejoicing.
by Jennifer on Sep 30, 2008 4:49 PM PDT 0 recs
What's that?
What the catcher told every A’s hitter when they stepped into the batter’s box?
The monster at the end of this blog.
by grover on
Sep 30, 2008 4:51 PM PDT
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No
what the ump told every A’s hitter when they stepped into the batter’s box.
In search of a new signature. Say something funny and you may see your comment here!
by DMOAS on
Sep 30, 2008 6:12 PM PDT
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Basically.
But he came back. And there was much rejoicing.
by Jennifer on
Sep 30, 2008 4:51 PM PDT
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I'll give you some links.
BRB
But he came back. And there was much rejoicing.
by Jennifer on
Sep 30, 2008 4:53 PM PDT
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http://www.athleticsnation.com/2008/9/29/624540/open-thread-tigers-at-whit#9080677
But he came back. And there was much rejoicing.
by Jennifer on
Sep 30, 2008 4:54 PM PDT
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Thanks. That sucks for swisher. Especially when Guillen wouldn't bench dye for
being in a slump as well.
by Erin6 on
Sep 30, 2008 5:01 PM PDT
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Yeah, for some reason even though Griffey and Wise suck and Swisher has been unlucky
Guillen would rather have the worst defensive CF in baseball out there.
Their best lineup would have Brian Anderson in center for defense and Swisher in left. Don’t really understand it, but I hope it comes back to haunt them.
by thejd44 on
Sep 30, 2008 4:54 PM PDT
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Hi Jermaine!
It seems like forever ago that he was on the A’s.
by whiteshoes40 on Sep 30, 2008 4:51 PM PDT 0 recs
Wow, GameDay mini is adorable.
If I don't comment on your comment how will you know you are completely wrong? -Rocktopus
by pam5981 on Sep 30, 2008 4:55 PM PDT 0 recs
No more fantasy stats
Yahoo! isn’t considering today or yesterday as a regular season game. Oh well I won my league, I’m happy.
by thesteve9x on Sep 30, 2008 4:56 PM PDT 0 recs
Really? That's weird since, you know, both of them are regular season games.
Another reason I despise fantasy sports.
by thejd44 on
Sep 30, 2008 4:58 PM PDT
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I guess Yahoo was pretty adamant about ending the season on the 28th
No exceptions.
by thesteve9x on
Sep 30, 2008 4:59 PM PDT
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I just saw the new Arby's commercial -
They really know how to target a market.
I like Cindi. A. She never pretends to know more than she does. B. She has unbridled enthusiasm for her "Hotties," and isn't afraid to show it. -IM4Oakgal
by Nico on Sep 30, 2008 4:59 PM PDT 0 recs
What market is that?
So, bring on Bonds! Or, not... then, bring back Langerhans!! -One won lost one
by baseballgirl on
Sep 30, 2008 5:00 PM PDT
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The $5 vaule meal?
But he came back. And there was much rejoicing.
by Jennifer on
Sep 30, 2008 5:00 PM PDT
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I missed it.
But he came back. And there was much rejoicing.
by Jennifer on
Sep 30, 2008 5:01 PM PDT
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I switched over to House. :(
But he came back. And there was much rejoicing.
by Jennifer on
Sep 30, 2008 5:03 PM PDT
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or maybe you get different commercials in MO
A's v Giants "is kind of like the difference between going to see the Ramones and going to see the Bee Gees. A's fans will go see the Ramones." -BB 07/27/05
by xbhaskarx on
Sep 30, 2008 5:04 PM PDT
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It's the same commercial.
It was just on FOX.
But he came back. And there was much rejoicing.
by Jennifer on
Sep 30, 2008 5:43 PM PDT
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texmustbashtoriiinheadwithbat
Ahem, sorry. Reflex.
by whiteshoes40 on Sep 30, 2008 5:02 PM PDT 0 recs
no swisher again
beane should try to make a 1 for 1 trade, ryan sweeney for swisher.
A's v Giants "is kind of like the difference between going to see the Ramones and going to see the Bee Gees. A's fans will go see the Ramones." -BB 07/27/05
by xbhaskarx on Sep 30, 2008 5:03 PM PDT 0 recs
really, i thought most ANers (not me) were pissed off when the a's traded swisher
getting gio and FDLS out of it would be nice.
A's v Giants "is kind of like the difference between going to see the Ramones and going to see the Bee Gees. A's fans will go see the Ramones." -BB 07/27/05
by xbhaskarx on
Sep 30, 2008 5:05 PM PDT
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Hey, I'm not saying I wasn't disappointed
but the girls here love Sweeney.
by thesteve9x on
Sep 30, 2008 5:07 PM PDT
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i'm confused, you were not disappointed by what?
A's v Giants "is kind of like the difference between going to see the Ramones and going to see the Bee Gees. A's fans will go see the Ramones." -BB 07/27/05
by xbhaskarx on
Sep 30, 2008 5:12 PM PDT
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why? it was a great trade at the time and even with FDLS getting injured it's still looking good
A's v Giants "is kind of like the difference between going to see the Ramones and going to see the Bee Gees. A's fans will go see the Ramones." -BB 07/27/05
by xbhaskarx on
Sep 30, 2008 5:14 PM PDT
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Swish was one of my favorite players
Even if it was a good trade, doesn’t mean I wasn’t disappointed to see him go.
by thesteve9x on
Sep 30, 2008 5:15 PM PDT
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The excess X-chromosome rage would be unbearable
"However, at Elias, I think they keep track of the amount of sunflower seeds spit in a dugout each night." - Brad Ziegler, 8/7/08
by doctorK on
Sep 30, 2008 5:05 PM PDT
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I love swish, but I think Sweeney's the better player.
by Erin6 on
Sep 30, 2008 5:04 PM PDT
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lol
A's v Giants "is kind of like the difference between going to see the Ramones and going to see the Bee Gees. A's fans will go see the Ramones." -BB 07/27/05
by xbhaskarx on
Sep 30, 2008 5:05 PM PDT
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And we all know Sweeney is hotter.
Who says that?
So, bring on Bonds! Or, not... then, bring back Langerhans!! -One won lost one
by baseballgirl on
Sep 30, 2008 5:06 PM PDT
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If Swish were to come back,
he’d have to get younger and hotter and parade around in a devil girl costume to make up for the loss of Ryan.
Not that there’s anything wrong with Swish, and I was sad when he was traded… but I get easily attached to players, and RyRy is one of my new favorites. Which, I’m sure, has been obvious.
by whiteshoes40 on
Sep 30, 2008 5:09 PM PDT
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Yeah, what she said.
But he came back. And there was much rejoicing.
by Jennifer on
Sep 30, 2008 5:09 PM PDT
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Why is that funny? Swish didn't have all that great a year. hits for a low average and strikes out a lot.
by Erin6 on
Sep 30, 2008 5:06 PM PDT
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Yeah!!!!111!!111
I like Cindi. A. She never pretends to know more than she does. B. She has unbridled enthusiasm for her "Hotties," and isn't afraid to show it. -IM4Oakgal
by Nico on Sep 30, 2008 5:11 PM PDT


