Guillen fed up with talk of Twins' dominance

MINNEAPOLIS - When it comes to the rival Twins, Ozzie Guillen's lost that loving feeling.

Guillen has seemingly done everything but deliver roses to Minnesota's dugout since taking over as White Sox manager in 2004.

But Guillen finally snapped when asked about the Twins' recent dominance over the Sox before Tuesday night's series opener at Target Field.

"Since I got this job, Minnesota's in the (bleeping) pennant race," Guillen said. "So are we. I say they're good, really good. Since I played, that's the 1980s, they've always been a good team. There's nobody that admires the way they play more than me.

"But since I've been managing this team, they've only won (bleeping) two (AL Central titles). We've won two. Cleveland won one and Detroit won one. What's the (bleeping) big deal?

"They're good ballplayers and they're a great team. Great manager. I'm the only one that gives those guys a lot of credit. But we talk about them like they're (bleeping) New York. I respect them a lot. They're not in my mind; I don't think they should be. Why? We compete good against them and we'll continue to compete good against them."

Scouting report: The Sox had good success against Scott Baker on Tuesday, scoring 4 runs off the Twins' starting pitcher in 42/3 innings.

But in the final two games of the series, the White Sox have to contend with Minnesota's two best starters, Francisco Liriano (11-7, 3.26 ERA) and Carl Pavano (15-7, 3.27 ERA).

Liriano's previous start was against the Sox, a 6-2 win at U.S. Cellular Field last Thursday.

The White Sox loaded the bases against the left-hander in the first, fifth and sixth innings and couldn't come up with a big hit.

"He's got a real good slider and you have to makes sure you don't chase it below the (strike) zone," Gordon Beckham said. "He throws hard, obviously, and it's really just a matter of getting strikes and not chasing the slider. That's what he got us out on last week."

Pavano, who opposes Buehrle Thursday night, is 2-0 with a 2.25 ERA in 2 starts against the Sox this season.

"Great changeup," Beckham said. "We just have to make sure we get a good pitch to hit. Get a good pitch to hit and don't miss it, because he doesn't make too many mistakes."