Chickens on the Run: Game 162: White Sox vs. Tigers

If the White Sox win today... they get an opportunity to play tomorrow against the Twins.

Scouting Report:

Tigers: The rotation order just worked out for Garcia to be on turn for a possible Monday outing if the game was necessary. If it is, he'll be in the curious position of having a chance to either knock his former team out of the division title or force them into a one-game playoff. All in all, it's not a bad way to end a late-season comeback from shoulder surgery that cost him more than a year off the mound. Since he was planning on starting his winter ball campaign in his native Venezuela in a few weeks, the extra work won't be a big deal.

Sox to Watch:

Jermaine Dye: 9-38 (.237 BA) with 2 doubles, a triple, a HR, and 5 RBIs
Paul Konerko: 10-26 (.385 BA) with 4 HRs and 6 RBIs
AJ Pierzynski: 4-13 (.308 BA) with 2 doubles, a HR, and 2 RBIs

The Sox roster is 37-159 (.233 BA) with 7 doubles, 2 triples, 7 HRs, and 17 RBIs. The three best players (highest batting average) are listed above. This could be a long one for the Sox.

White Sox: Floyd almost stopped the bleeding for the White Sox again on Thursday night at the Metrodome, going in search of his 10th victory this season after a White Sox loss. Floyd allowed four runs on 11 hits over 5 2/3 innings, walking one and striking out four, but he managed to strand seven Minnesota runners. Floyd finished with a no-decision, when the bullpen couldn't hold a two-run lead. Floyd has a 2-0 record with a 4.24 ERA against Detroit this season and is 3-0 lifetime against the Tigers. Floyd will be pitching on three days' rest, having lost his last time in Kansas City following the short break.

Tigers to Watch:

Polanco: 8-21 (.381 BA) with a double, a triple, a HR and 3 RBIs
Carlos Guillen: 6-19 (.316 BA) with a HR and 2 RBIs
Ryan Raburn: 7-14 (.500 BA) with a double and a RBI

The Tigers are 46-150 (.307 BA) with 9 doubles, a triple, 6 HRs, and 22 RBIs.

Forecast: This could be interesting. Some pitchers struggle on little rest, while others actually become better with shortened time. I think the Sox will feel the pressure and do well under it. Score: 5-4.