Minnesota Twins (48-47) @ Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim (55-38)
Starters: MIN – Scott Baker (8-7, 5.10 ERA) LAA – Jered Weaver (10-3, 3.48 ERA)
Game Info: 7:05 PM PT TV-Fox Sports West, Radio-KLAA 830 AM, KFWB, KWKW 1330 AM
Believe it or not the Minnesota Twins are the only AL team the Angels have yet to defeat this season. The only time these two clubs have faced each other was back in the early parts of the season when the Angels were still reeling from Nick Adenhart’s death and unwittingly still relying on an injured Vladimir Guerrero and Scot Shields. A lot has changed in the months since that ill-fated series and now the Angels have their chance to exact revenge against the Twinkies.
But now it is Minnesota who comes to town reeling from recent failures. The Twins have lost three of their last four including a series against the A’s where they somehow allowed a total of 33 runs in three games. If lowly Oakland can roll the Twinkies up like that, let’s just say that I like the Angels’ chances.
THREE Questions:
- Can Jered Weaver overcome his recent bout of Joe Saunders disease or whatever physical malady was ailing him in his last start?
- Can the Angels stave off the Rangers? Texas is off today, but they are riding a four-game winning streak and are about to host the Royals for three games. The Halos are going to have to take care of the Twins if they hope to emerge from the weekend with their division lead still intact.
- Can we please get some more Reggie Willits please? If he keeps hitting like he did last night, he might be able to unseat Gary Matthews as the primary back-up outfielder and get him out of our lives forever.
TWO Predictions:
- Like Mark Buehrle, Jered Weaver will also pitch a perfect game… through two innings.
- Kendry Morales’ 20-game hitting streak will come to an end.
ONE Wish:
- I wish for a more concrete report on Juan Rivera’s injury. A few days ago Rivera was supposed to be out a few days. Now he is expected out for a few more days. Can someone please get this guy an MRI?
ZERO Tolerance for… Jason Kubel. In the last series with the Twins Kubel had two four-hit games, including a game where he hit for the cycle, and nine RBIs. The Angels better not let him kick their ass again.
Leave your own questions, answers, predictions or wishes as a comment or just hang out with us during the game.