--RHP Javier Vazquez has been named the Game 1 starter for the White Sox in the Division Series, but after that manager Ozzie Guillen wasn't saying. It probably will be LHP Mark Buehrle in Game 2, but considering that he has been putting in a lot of work lately, don't surprised if RHP Gavin Floyd gets the call.
--Manager Ozzie Guillen told the media his fondest memory of the 2008 season, and it didn't come as a surprise. "That's one of the hardest things I remember ever managing," Guillen said. "A lot of people thought 2005 was tough. To me, 2005 was easy. We played good all year long. At the end of the season it got a little tough for us, but I think we played good. This year, we're fighting every day. I never thought we were going to have (Mark) Buehrle pitching every three or four days. We never did in '05. I never did in my career, maybe a few times. It's a battle for my coaching staff and myself to put the best guys out there." --DH Jim Thome had been silent the last few games after a hot second half, but he came through when it mattered most. That home run he was looking for finally came, Thome connecting on a 2-2 offering from Nick Blackburn and depositing it 461 feet away. "I haven't been doing much here the last two or three games, so it was nice to get a big hit," Thome said. "This is what it's all about, October baseball." It was also the sixth-longest home run hit by a Sox player at The Cell.
--Manager Ozzie Guillen said that while there had been talks about the final playoff roster, nothing was in pen as of Tuesday evening. The plan was to discuss the roster on the plane ride to Tampa Bay, but all indications are that it will be the usual cast of characters, with Guillen bringing a few speed guys like Dewayne Wise and Brian Anderson. The odd man out could be Jerry Owens, however, despite being the fastest player on the team.
--First base coach Harold Baines was in the hospital Tuesday with an ulcer, and coach Omer Munoz took his place for the game with the Twins. There was no word when Baines would rejoin the team.
BY THE NUMBERS: 2-14 -- The Sox's record on turf over their last 16 games after Minnesota swept three games from them last week at the Metrodome. It was the second time this season the Twins swept them there.
QUOTE TO NOTE: "Who wouldn't want speed? It's a rare commodity. But you put that team in this ballpark (U.S. Cellular Field), and you're going to have tough times. So I think you're always striving for a blend. And that's not going to change." -- GM Ken Williams, when asked if he would want to switch rosters with the Twins and their speedy lineup.
