Game 4: Twins at White Sox

Buxton leads off with hopes of leading the Twins to first win of season

Twins (0-3) vs White Sox (1-2)

Chris Paddack vs Martín Pérez

First Pitch: 1:10 p.m.

TV: Twins.TV

Radio: TIBN

Competitor’s Site: South Side Sox

Alright, let’s get all the negativity out of the way right away. A sickly Bailey Ober, he was actually ill, plus a weak offensive approach left us all with a bad taste in our mouths to wrap up opening weekend. I was delighted to be there in St. Louis for it all, but the season is young and optimism will take us forward.

And no, torpedo bats aren’t the answer, or maybe they are? There seem to be mixed opinions on that. Was Jeffers using one?

Either way, still have to make contact in the sweet spot.

The Twins open a three-game series at the Chicago White Sox on Monday. After being outscored 19-6 by the Cardinals, it’s time to put some runs on the board. That may start with a revamped lineup. Buxton and Correa are batting 1 and 2 in game one. The two combined for one hit, an RBI single by Buxton in the St. Louis series. Here’s a look at the order today…

Twins lineup:

1. Byron Buxton (R) CF

2. Carlos Correa (R) SS

3. Ryan Jeffers (R) DH

4. Ty France (R) 1B

5. Jose Miranda (R) 3B

6. Mickey Gasper (S) 2B

7. Willi Castro (S) LF

8. Harrison Bader (R) RF

9. Christian Vázquez (R) C

A MAT (Michael A. Taylor) return to the AL Central.

Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

Chicago Lineup:

1. Miguel Vargas (R) 3B

2 Luis Robert Jr. (R) CF

3. Andrew Benintendi (L) DH

4. Andrew Vaughn (R) 1B

5. Matt Thaiss (L) C

6. Lenyn Sosa (R) 2B

7. Travis Jankowski (L) RF

8. Michael A. Taylor (R) LF

9. Jacob Amaya (R) SS

Chris Paddack is on the mound Monday with his first start of the season after going 5-3 last year with a 4.99 ERA. Last April he had major success against the Sox with 10 K in 7 scoreless innings.

LHP veteran Martín Pérez is getting the start for the White Sox after signing a $5 million one-year contract this offseason. If you can’t place where you have seen him, he’s been all over the league in his 14-year career, including of course, Minnesota in 2019. I’d like to direct your attention to this fine piece of journalism.

TwinkieTown: The Martín Pérez experiment is paying off

He also won a World Series ring with the Rangers. As for the rest of the White Sox the team is looking to rebound from its 41-121 season. The Sox did some work this off-season, as it can only go up from here, one would hope.

Offseason acquisitions: LHP Martín Pérez, RHP Bryse Wilson, LHP Tyler Gilbert, OF Michael A. Taylor, Mike Tauchman, OF Austin Slater, 3B Josh Rojas, C Matt Thaiss

And finally, I was in St. Louis over the weekend for the series, and I do have to say, everytime I go to that ballpark I am more amazed with its beauty. Though I was shocked to see all the empty not seats, but full sections of seats, on opening weekend. I know the Cards have been down, but I was surprised there weren’t more fans there to support. It was a beautiful weekend filled with awesome hospitality and sympathy by the competition, plus some crazy Sunday storms that interrupted the game. Only for me to get back home to Minnesota to snow..

Here are my top 5 things to keep in mind if you ever want to go to St. Louis for a game:

1. Go early and check out the stadium, there are good happy hour options in the Budweiser Terrace before games.

2. There are my spots to sit if you get SRO, a lot of railings with seats in the outfield

3. Go to the Gateway Arch if you haven’t been. It’s a unique experience and even memorable for young kids, as those goofy cars that take you up are fun in themselves

4. Check out Ballpark Village, if you are an adult it’s the ultimate bar and sports watching experience with a mechanical bull at the PBR bar if you are into that type of thing

5. Sports betting is almost legal in Missouri, but they are still working out the kinks. However, East St. Louis is in Illinois, where it is legal. You can take the Metro from the ballpark and be at a DraftKings Sportsbook in three Metro stops. The Metro is right outside Gate 3. There are horror stories, sure, but I had no issue and traveling with others is always a great plan.

Let’s Go Twins!