In One Fell Swat…

Jim Thome changed the conversation from the awful performance from Scott Baker & the lesser sins Matt Capps of Jon Rauch in the late innings. The lumbering slugger drove Matt Thornton’s 2nd pitch high over the right field wall and into a jubilant horde of Twins fans. The blast was so much more than just two runs on a Tuesday eve.

Obviously, it won an important game. The Twins now lead the Pale Hose by 4 games in the central. But it also represented an epic comeback win in a game the Twins by all rights should have lost. Their starter was hideous, their closer blew the save, and the former closer gave up a run in extras. But the landmass that is Jim Thome refused to take the hint and stole the win for Minnesota anyway.

The nature of the loss is such a swift and painful change in that ephemeral thing called momentum that one wonders if it may just impact the White Sox long term.

'I decided to end these proceedings.'

The whole escapade also has an extra touch of misery for the White Sox beyond all that jazz – as they allowed Thome to flee from the Windy City to the Dodgers at the end of last year’s campaign and refused to resign him in the off-season. As the Chicago designated hitters continue to struggle, James Thome places the knife squarely into the proverbial back of the Sox… playing for their biggest rival.

Additional Nuggets…

• The MLB Network played WGN’s call of Thome’s blast this evening. It was truly delightful to behold the ever-obnoxious Hawk Harrelson’s downcast spirit at this moment of pain.

• The Twins are a season high 19 games over .500 @ 69 Wins and 50 Losses.

• But Scott Baker REALLY was hideous. He is now our 5th starter. Think about it. Who does he slot ahead of? Certainly not the Stash or Franchise. Slowey? No. Duensing?! Well you’d think so, but nay. Nope. Send Scott Baker to Siberia. Do it now.

• Jason Kubel made an outstanding leaping catch to rob the 80 year old Omar Vizquel of a possible triple earlier in the contest – quite possibly forestalling a White Sox rally.

• Delmon Young made an intriguing effort to knock the baseball from AJ Pierzinski’s grasp during a play at the plate earlier in the game. He flailed his arms in a push at AJ’s arms and chest. It would not take too much of a stretch to see the play as a bit dirty, and it will be intriguing to see if the Sox perhaps take an opportunity to somehow retaliate and rally their flagging spirits.