Joe Blanton, who turned his 2005 season around shortly after a demotion-threat by Macha, takes the mound tonight following a demotion-threat by Macha. Do not look over your shoulder, Joe--there is no help. Blanton's opponent, known more for his work in the khololate faktory, is lefty John Koronka. Koronka came to Texas in the 3-way deal that sent Freddy Bynum to the Cubs.
Interestingly, two guys who have historically thrived against lefties, Kielty and Ellis, are found in the bottom third of the order tonight; perhaps this factors in the likelihood that some of their key at-bats could wind up being against right-handed relievers. Meanwhile, many will be relieved to see Crosby back in the #6 spot, where he seems more suited at this point in his career.
The lineups:
Kendall
Swisher
Kotsay
Chavez
Thomas
Crosby
Kielty
Payton
Ellis
Matthews
Young
Teixeira
Blalock
Nevin
Wilkerson
DeRosa
Barajas
Kinsler
