And so the season comes down to this. Sure, there remains 4 games left on the Sox' schedule after tonight's contest, but the division champion will be determined tonight. A Sox win puts them 1.5 games, needing only to match Twins victories over the final weekend to avoid playing an extra game against "Big Game" Freddy and the Tigers on Monday.
The Sox send out Gavin Floyd, who has gained a reputation as the White Sox' stopper this season thanks to 9-2 following a Sox loss and stopping a losing streak of 3 or more games 5 times this season including twice against the Twins. Floyd has been a revelation this season, and tonight is his opportunity to go from discarded, failed prospect to modern-day White Sox legend. He struggled in his last outing against Royals on short rest, but turned in his most impressive outing since his improbable start in Yankee Stadium last week.
Sitting here at home, I've changed things up. I've personally vanquished gay porn actor Christopher Michaels. I contributed exactly zero to the flagging American economy today, calling in sick (I really am, though feeling better now) and sleeping most of the day away. I've busted out the nameless authentic home pinstripes jersey I wore during every game of the 2005 playoff run and will be searching for that perfect posture of nervous optimism. America and the White Sox, fuck yeah!