Brian's Twins Talk

The Twins fall at Anaheim, 6-3, and there was one thing in that game that tells me we may be seeing more of the same from the Twins. The Twins twice left the bases loaded in a one-run game Monday night, and that just seems like something that has been all too common over the years. Remember two years ago when the Twins actually hit over .300 as a team with two outs and runners in scoring position? Boy, I sure hope to see those stats again this year! So okay, an opening night loss - no big deal. You know what I liked? Delmon Young - watch for him to finally put up some power numbers that we've been hoping for - maybe 30 homers, 90+ RBI's, and maybe even taking more first pitches. I also liked seeing Jim Thome in a Twins uniform, as well as the other new guys in the middle of the infield, JJ Hardy and Orlando Hudson. In fact, I just like the new road uniforms altogether, although they do kinda look like the Montreal Expos, don't they? Not a good start of the season for Jose Mijares, though, giving up back-to-back homers in the 8th - the last thing the Twins need is for Mijares to develop a confidence problem. Joe Mauer looked surprisingly out of synch, too, but obviously, one game isn't going to tell the whole story. The Twins will still win the division this year.

By the way, Twins fans, if you're like me, do you feel the same sentiment toward Hideki Matsui that Happy Gilmore feels for Bob Barker? Prediction time again...pay attention to the Padres closer this year, Heath Bell. As the Twins will battle the Tigers and White Sox all season, look for the Twins to finally get trade for a closer before the July trading deadline, and a good closer off of a bad team, like Bell is, might be the guy they end up getting. Don't forget, with a lot to look forward to, keep listening for the Twins games on KGFX all this season!