I can almost smell the freshly cut grass.  Looking out my window just now I can see that there are still several inches of snow that are covering the great state of Minnesota.  I won’t let that get me down.  Why you ask? 

Let me tell you….  Yesterday I saw my first (of many) innings of America’s pasttime.  Yes, it is finally spring and whether or not mother nature wants to loosen its grip on the upper midwest is irrelevant.  The calendar has flipped to March and that means that baseball will be in full swing this month. 

The Twins kick off their season on March 31st against the Angels.  Torii will make his way back to town and someone other than Johan Santana will take the mound for the Twins.  Much like spring, this season for the Twins is one of new beginnings.  Gone are the veterans Hunter and Santana.  Gone are up and comers named Garza and Bartlett. 

There are however reasons to be optimistic.  Morneau, Mauer, Cuddy, Nathan and last but certainly not least…..Delmon.

While the Twins will likely not win the division and capture our hearts in October, we do have a special opportunity to “Get to Know ‘Em” all over again.  Players that have had minimal (or non-existant) roles in the organization last year will now be on the big stage.  These “not quite ready for prime time” players will get pushed out in front of the Metrodome crowds whether they are ready or not. 

There will be many articles written this year about the new guys and how they are contributing.  Some will be down on their abilities and their production.  I however will be reveling this spring and summer in the idea of what they could become.  Delmon could become a perenial allstar.  Gomez could become the Ricky Henderson of this decade.  Liriano could regain his unhittable slider.  Mauer could hit for something more than a single.  Cuddy could continue to be a solid veteran player.   

Maybe things won’t turn out rosey but one thing can not be said about this years squad….  They will be interesting to watch and with this new season of play we can be sure at least in my mind…..hope spring eternal!