September 30, 2008 Nick Blackburn was masterful on Tuesday night limiting the White Sox to just one run over 6.1 innings, but he was let down by an offense that failed to score a single run in a 1-0 loss to the Sox.
Our View:Blackburn ends his rookie season with an 11-11 record and a 4.05 ERA over 193.1 innings. He doesn't strike anyone out with a K/9 under five, but he figures to be a serviceable end of the rotation option for years to come.
September 29, 2008 Nick Blackburn would pitch Tuesday in place of the injured Kevin Slowey (wrist) if the White Sox beat the Tigers today, according to the Star Tribune.
Our View:Blackburn only allowed two earned runs in a win against the White Sox last week in the crucial three-game series, and will be qualified to handle the pressure of a one-game playoff against them if needed.
September 25, 2008 Nick Blackburn went five innings and allowed just two runs to the White Sox in the Twins 3-2 victory, but certainly did not impress Chicago manager Ozzie Guillen, according to the Chicago Sun-Times. "I don't give credit to the guys that don't deserve credit. Believe me, I give credit to the pitcher when they deserve it. We didn't get the clutch hit, it wasn't because of the way he pitched," Guillen said.
Our View:Guillen is never afraid to give his opinion, and he clearly wasn't enamored with the way Blackburn threw. Either way, the White Sox took the loss and remain in a battle for the AL Central crown.
September 19, 2008 Nick Blackburn had his second consecutive poor outing on Friday in Tampa Bay. The 26-year-old lasted just 1.1 innings while allowing six runs on six hits and three walks.
Our View:At least he didn't give up any homers. In his last start at Baltimore, the Orioles launched four out of the park in four innings. Blackburn is one of several slumping Twins' pitchers at the moment.
September 14, 2008 Nick Blackburn wasn't sharp on Sunday as the Orioles produced nine hits leading to sis runs in just four innings. Of note, the Orioles took Blackburn deep four times.
Our View:That's only 21 home runs allowed in 30 starts for Blackburn, so it's pretty shocking to see four fly balls leave the yard in one start considering that he entered the game with a 8.%3 HR/F mark. Look for a rebound next time out.
