29 Sox; 20 Twins

It had to happen. The White Sox weren’t going to go undefeated over their last 32 games. But that doesn’t make it any easier to take. Especially when the Twins continue to win.

Yep, the Good Guys lost to the Tigers last night – big time. As in 9-1. As in we wound up with the scrubinis playing at the end of the game: Brent Lillibridge at second, Alejandro De Aza at DH, Brent Morel at third, Tyler Flowers catching, and Dayan Viciedo pinch-hitting. Paul Konerko (stiff back) and Gordon Beckham (injured hand) didn’t play at all, and Freddy Garcia came out of the game with a stiff back after two innings. (I didn’t realize back stiffness was contagious; maybe Ozzie should have quarantined Paulie.) Manny Ramirez took a beating, getting hit by pitches twice. All in all, it was a game to forget.

The loss combined with Minnesota’s win drops the Sox to 4.5 games back with just 24 games remaining. Our Magic Number remains at 29. Theirs drops to 20. Plus, we’ve got John Danks pitching on three days rest instead of his usual four. On top of that, we find out that Rahm Emanuel, who is a Cubs fan, may run for mayor.

Happy New Year to all to whom that applies. Go Sox!