It's Hector Noesi Day - Game Preview & Lineups 6/9

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After an unsuccessful weekend in which Sale lost his halo and the offense continued their failure to inspire much in the way of victories, we’re left slightly deadened to the point of accepting a much-improved Hector Noesi start against division rivals with a shrug of the shoulders. What’s the worst that could happen?

Hector Noesi’s 2014 has included getting beat up out of the Seattle and Texas bullpens, shaky starts for a White Sox team inexplicably giving him a chance to, and now makes quality starts to reward that team. Noesi has allowed 5 total runs in his last 3 starts, going at least 6 innings in each of those. From a fan’s standpoint it’s an unexpected turnaround, one not quite complete as evidenced by his high walk rate. But it is encouraging, and the White Sox could use some encouragement.

The likelihood of pushing down the “rebuilding year” wall isn’t great, but if it’s going to happen it’s going to start with a demonstrated ability to beat the division’s most likely victor. The questionable status of Miguel Cabrera, originally listed as day-to-day but in the lineup today might still be a nice bit of luck that allows the Sox to postpone actual proof of the ability to “best” the Tigers. When playing hobbled, there is always the chance that the league’s most frightening force in the batter’s box plays himself out of the batter's box.

As another assist from outside of the organization, the Tigers are coming off a late-inning loss last night due to their continued bullpen troubles. An opportunity for exploitation exists here. Rick Porcello hasn’t thrown over 110 pitches since 2011, and even on good days isn’t much of complete game risk. Patience will most definitely buy the Sox chances with limited comfortable options for Detroit after the starting effort. Adam Eaton seems to be swinging at pitches earlier in counts as he struggles, though I haven’t looked at the numbers to back that up (do I look like some kind of blogger to you?) and slowing down the pace a bit might accidentally help him get his groove back while doing plenty to help the team even if he collects outs. 

Today’s Lineup:                                                            

  1. Eaton – CF
  2. Beckham – 2B
  3. Gillaspie – 3B
  4. Abreu – 1B
  5. Dunn – DH
  6. Ramirez – SS
  7. Viciedo - RF
  8. De Aza - LF
  9. Flowers – C

Hector Noesi - SP

Tigers Lineup:

  1. Kinsler – 2B
  2. Kelly – RF
  3. Cabrera - DH
  4. Martinez – 1B
  5. J.D. Martinez – LF
  6. Castellanos – 3B
  7. Jackson – CF
  8. Avila – C
  9. Suarez - SS

Rick Porcello - SP

Where to Watch:

Today’s game will be broadcast on CSN and FoxSports Detroit.  7:10 Central start time.

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