Gamesthread: White Sox at Twins (doubleheader)

The biggest development today — outside of a mess of draft picks — is Luis Robert leaving extended spring training to join the Kannapolis Intimidators.

Of course, major leagues-wise, the biggest development today is Kevan Smith rejoining the White Sox after a couple of ankle injuries, the first of which eliminated his chance of breaking camp with the big club after an OK spring.

Smith presumably will re-form the 2017’s catcher platoon with Omar Narvaez, a platoon that played to no lasting regard (Smith tallied 0.2 WAR in 87 games, Narvaez 1.5 in 90 games). This year, Narvaez’s production is down to -0.3 WAR as until recently the backup to now-suspended catcher Welington Castillo. Perhaps Smith can be the surprising plus-WAR member of the platoon this season.

Juan Minaya also has arrived in Minneapolis at the doubleheader’s 26th man.

Finally: It is no longer snowing in Minnesota.

Game 1 Starting Lineups

Ex-White Sox and unexpected clubber Eduardo Escobar is back in the cleanup spot in Game 1 today:

First pitch for Game 2 is set for 6:30 CST.

Game 2 Starting Lineups

White Sox, featuring Kevan Smith, hitting sixth:

Twins: does it matter?

Seriously, I don’t have it yet ... but does it?

Oh, wait, here it is. Hey, check it out, freakin’ Escobar hitting cleanup again. Tasty.

And, as a bonus, @z_littell making his major-league debut!

Strap it down, pards.