Soxman and Paul M. Banks vs. Peter Christian
(PMB) It’s one of the most shopworn cliches in all of sports (right up there with “we just need to step our game up”) the game that possesses a “playoff like atmosphere.” In this case, however, it’s true.Three games in the Metrodome for the division title. You knew it would come to this, “it’s the final countdown…do-do-do-do…dah-do-do-do” And of course TSB Twins writer Peter Christian and the Soxman to prepare you for the most important Sox-Twins series. EVER!!!  So here we are: Rocky vs. Drago, Batman vs. The Joker, Super Mario vs. King Bowser.  Pick your confrontational metaphor for this crucial series and elaborate on it please……Â
(SM) I like the metaphor used by Sean Connery in the Untouchables because it is the key to winning this series. Malone said to Elliot Ness:“If he brings a knife, you bring a gun, he sends one of your men to the hospital, you send one of his to the morgue. That’s how far you must go to win. That’s the Chicago way.â€
The White Sox must be the better team in this series.
(PC) This is definitely it for the Twins. Down 2 1/2 and heading into the final 6 games of the season. What scares me most is the chance that the Twins will sweep the Sox to take the lead and then blow it against the Royals. On Thursday, the late inning heroics forced one last breath into the Twins 2008 season, only to watch them leave everything but a gasp by losing the next two to the Rays. While possible, it is extremely unlikely that the Twins go 7-0 or 6-1 to finish the season (which is what it is going to take to win the division). So sure, this three game series is a big match-up for both squads, but it isn’t anything of epic proportions. If anything, this series is reminiscent of the Indians-Yankees game at the end of Major League. It means a lot to which ever team comes out on top, but everyone is pretty sure that the play-offs spell imminent doom.
(PMB) Great points by both of you! Andy said last week that he thinks the Sox will take this round, but the Twins are better built for winning in the long run. Do you agree or disagree?
(SM) I agree, but for Soxman, winning two out of three is not taking this round. We must sweep. That’s a mighty tall order for a team that holds a 3-9 record over their last 12 games played in the Metrodome and has hit an anemic .235 indoors this season, but it is a must. If we lose just one game to the Twins, the Indians will be waiting for us. Did I mention they are 31-17 since August and are considered by many to be the hottest team in baseball?
(PMB) Someone’s chances will be pretty much over after Thursday night, so…which team do you think is more likely to be back in the pennant race in 2009?  Sure, the White Sox do have one of the weakest farm systems in all of baseball, but they have also made some augmentative changes in their scouting department, and Kenny Williams has shown us that he is a “closer.” He closes deals like Ricky Roma in “Glengarry Glen Ross,” so I think the White Sox do have what it takes to be a consistent winner.
(SM) That all depends on Kenny Williams. To quote Ricky Roma: “Always be closing!â€Jim Thome’s $13 million contractual option for 2009 with the White Sox kicked in this weekend as he obtained 1,100 plate appearances between the last two seasons to guarantee the option. So we are likely stuck with him. Joe Crede and Orlando Cabrera are likely gone, leaving some gaps to fill; especially in the speed department.
With no major moves, the Twins’ young nucleus and deep farm system would put them in the better position to win long term. Even after 2005, Kenny Williams has never stood pat. I think we will be back, but so will the Tigers and the Indians.
Let’s do this! The SICA chicks pictured above are invited to watch these games with me
T minus 50 minutes…
Things are looking @##$$tty now!
We need to f!$%ing overhaul this entire team as I have a bunch of lame d!$khitters and soxman’s Red Eye article told these kids what they have to do and they f!#$ing failed. The Twins deserve to win. I’m F!#$ing sick man.
Soxman we ned you!!! Are we really this bad????
I’m scared for us that our play-off hopes are dwindling. soxmna you need to go the metrodome pronto!!!!
I agree. Soxman the signal is shning over the metrodome!!!
The sox ignored everything soxman said in Monday’s article. I’m not sure the luck of our hero can even save us now.
…but you showing up wouldn’t hurt.
That Footloose Song: Holding out for a hero.
Soxman where are you??? Get to the dome!
As Soxman says: Keep your cheers tight!!!
We can’t give up. We are still in first.
This is ours to lose right now. Go Sox!!!
I agree. Soxman and Batboy..its now or never!!!
Soxman my kids are thinking the Sox are done. Any words of wisdom?
I really think the sox have lost the edge now. They still could salvage this by winning the last two.
Come on soxman use your powers to make it so. :)
Thanks Katie. (AAR) You did a fantastic job with the Sox exchange. It was great having you. I’m glad you enjoyed the picture. Bruce Wayner-Parker is just as nice a guy as Soxman
I’m supposed to be credentialed for another Sox game this weekend. I’m hoping that we will have things pretty much wrapped up by the weekend. So hopefully the atmosphere around my upcoming chat with Stony will be fun and festive.
People people please! RELAX!!!! I know the Sox looked like horse**** last night, but let’s remember if they split these next two, the magic # is 3. MEANING the Twins would still need to win ALL THREE of their games at home versus the Royals to have a chance here. The pressure is still on THEM, not US. If the Sox lose both these next two, I may join you guys in panic. and possibly giving up hope.
but until then I’m going to be like James Bond, who’s always cool under pressure. that why 007 always escapes trouble, because he’s relaxed and realizes there’s a way to solve the problem
Soxman said the same thing in the Red Eye! That said Paul, I’d loce to have him and Batboy at the Metrodome for the next two. They never lose.
Well done. The sox should try and trade some of the seniors for some youth. We are stuck with Thome another year now…DAMN!!!!
Soxman I heard them talk about your article on the Score yesterday as well. They said you are a true fan but drinking the kool-aide if you think the sox will take all three.
I tried calling to say YOU NEVER SAID THAT. You said they needed to target that.
Soxman I love seeing you in the Red Eye.
Your heart is with our team but it is not looking good now.
How the hell do you remain so positive???
What show on the score? and which on-air talent said what exactly?
If we dont win tonight. I’m going to be SICK!