Brian's Friday Twins Tawk

Okay, so the Twins now have one series in the books in the new season, and as much as Rod (or any Cubs fan) can't help but complain about their team, the opposite is the case for the way I feel about my team right now. The Twins have never fared too well in Anaheim since the Angels became a great team, which is about as long as the Twins have been a yearly contender. Remember 2002 when the Angels beat the Twins in the ALCS? (I still hate Adam Kennedy.) The Twins won Game 1, but the Angels ran off four straight after that to move to the World Series, where they beat the Giants in a 7-game Classic. Anyway, that's about how long it's been since the Twins have had much luck in Anaheim - it's almost like Yankee Stadium West, if you know what I mean.

So let's recap this first series. Like Rod said, it's all about pitching. Scott Baker was a little wobbly in the first game, but he'll be solid throughout the season. Nick Blackburn won game 2, pitching out of several jams, which for Blackburn is nothing new. He'll be up and down, but I like his chances of winning 14 or 15 games this year. Carl Pavano looked great on Wednesday night, and he's probably the streakiest guy on the staff - great in one start and awful the next two. But if his first start of the season is any indication, then I will start looking forward his starts a little more often. And what can you say about Kevin Slowey in his start last night? Missed the second half of the season last year, after starting 10-3, although with a high ERA. Gardy probably gave him the hook early last night to avoid any major catastrophe, but holding the Angels to one run is dang fine by me. So, three of four starts were very good for the Twins in the series with the Angels, and now the fifth starter goes at Chicago tonight - Francisco Liriano. Personally, I would have loved to see how Liriano would have done in Joe Nathan's closer role this season, but there has been so much talk about how the kid is expected to be back to his rookie form this year, so if that's the case, then let's let him get nasty! Against the Angels, I am also excited about the bullpen. Jon Rauch picked up a couple of saves, Jesse Crain has started off nicely (thank goodness), and Jose Mijares bounced back with a good outing last night as well. Pitching, pitching, pitching!!

I do like good pitching, but I like good offense even more, and like I said before the season started, I am excited about the offensive potential the Twins have this year. That potential has been quite visible in the first four games with NINE home runs already. John Gordon might actually get tired of saying "Touch 'em all" this season, and if chicks really do dig the long ball, then I am definitely going to be getting more in touch with my feminine side this season. :o) Justin Morneau seems to have shaken off his preseason slump; Delmon Young said he would be better this year, and he is, so far; and JJ Hardy is off to a good start toward 25-30 HR's this season from the shortstop position. Mauer isn't on fire yet, but he has hit safely in all four games, including one HR so far. And as they say on Baseball Tonight, "hats off to Jim Thome." He cracked his first Twins HR last night, so he is officially a contributor now. And even Brendan Harris hit one out last night, despite probably being a little disappointed that Punto will start more at third than him. Although, with Husdon maybe out tonight, Punto will probably have to move to second, and Harris can go yard again tonight.

If this is getting a little long, I apologize, but that just goes to show how giddy I am with anticipation about what this season might hold in store. On to Chicago tonight, where the White Sox are supposed to be the main opposition for the Twins in their chances to win the division. We'll see about that....

In other sports, could the first day of the Masters have had any more stories than what it did yesterday? Fred Couples, Tom Watson, Phil Mickelson.....oh, and Tiger, too. Dude missed some chances, but he clearly hasn't lost too much of a step yet. How sweet would it be to see one of those old guys, Couples or Watson, playing with Tiger in the final group on Sunday? Or maybe those two will be in the group themselves hitting into Tiger's group? For those of you that think golf on TV is boring, pay attention this weekend - you won't be disappointed.

Hey, Pierre youth bowlers are making the trip to Rapid City to compete in the State Tournament this weekend. We have had quite a few state champions in the last several years, so maybe we can bring home some more hardware this year. This will be the first of four weekends of the State Tournament, so we'll try to set the bar high for the rest of the tournament. Have a good weekend!!
- Radiooo