Paul Konerko was talking Sunday about how intense White Sox-Cubs games are and how after the series is over, it’s natural to have a bit of a letdown.
“I don’t know how you can guard against that,” Konerko said.
Just as Konerko was finishing, members of the Sox’s media relations staff were handing out a release announcing the acquisition of pitcher Freddy Garcia from the Seattle Mariners.
Garcia will make his White Sox debut Wednesday night at the Metrodome against the Central Division-leading Minnesota Twins. His addition should guard against any letdown for the Sox, who enter the series just a game behind the Twins.
The Sox exorcised some demons on their first trip to Minnesota in May, winning three of four games and pummeling the Twins.
It was quite a turnaround for a team that has struggled in Minnesota the last few seasons.
“That gives us a little confidence, knowing we can go up there and win,” said Mark Buehrle, Tuesday’s starter.
Konerko said the Sox were looking forward to Monday’s off day, the first for the team in two weeks. As if the schedule weren’t busy enough, the intensity always gets cranked up a notch when the Cubs are the opponent.
“These games were like playoff games,” Konerko said. “Everyone was dialed in every pitch. If we can keep this same intensity this week against Minnesota, I like our chances.”
The playoff-like atmosphere will continue through the week. After three games with the Twins, the Sox head back into the blast furnace with three games at Wrigley Field, including a Sunday night game that will be ESPN’s national telecast.
But that’s at the end of the week. The Sox can’t get caught looking ahead to the Cubs with the Twins–and a chance to take over the division lead–in front of them.
“The Twins don’t care that we had a tough week, they’re going to come out firing,” Konerko said. “We’re going to have to come out swinging and play well. It’s human to let down after a big series, and we can’t let that happen.”
The Twins will send Carlos Silva, Brad Radke and Johan Santana to the mound against Buehrle, Garcia and Jon Garland.
Silva was 5-0 until the Sox handed him his first defeat on May 16 at U.S. Cellular Field, and they beat him again in the Metrodome. They also beat Santana in Minnesota but lost to Radke in their only defeat of that four-game series.
“It’s always tough to beat those guys,” shortstop Jose Valentin said. “The last time we went there we played pretty good baseball. We have to go up there and keep swinging the bats the way we are now, and hopefully it will be a good series for us.”
While the Sox were taking two of three from the Cubs, the Twins were losing two of three at home to the Milwaukee Brewers and losing two games in the standings.
Both teams figure to stay within striking distance of each other all season, but the Sox hope the addition of Garcia will not only help them distance themselves from the Twins but serve notice to the rest of the American League.
And general manager Ken Williams might not be done dealing.
“[The players] know we’re out there working, trying to improve the club,” Williams said. “As far as the rest of the league is concerned or our division rivals or whomever, I can’t be concerned. I think [with Garcia] we got a little better.”
How good will be determined in the weeks ahead.
