HOPE

As a new season of baseball is upon us, it would appear to be bleak for those of us unfortunate enough to be Minnesota Twins fans. After a miracle campaign in 2006 that led to a AL Central division pennant, Twins fans have suffered greatly ever since. Last year's team failed to rise to expectations and saw the team's most popular player (Torii Hunter) sign with the L.A. Angels, and the best pitcher on the planet (Johan Santana) traded to the Mets for a group of unproven prospects. I really think the second event (Santana trade) stung me the most. The new ballpark is 2 years away, the Minnesota weather is dreary, and our starting rotation features Livan Hernandez as the opening day starter. And oh yes, Detroit is going to score a billion runs this summer, because they have a lineup full of genetically enhanced offense machines.

Help us Lord.

But you know, there is something magical about the beginning of the baseball season, some unknowable thing that causes even us Twins fans to carry our heads high. Our team is being shat upon by every major publication's season preview, they play in a plastic nightmare of a stadium, we traded our best pitcher, and our last great hope hasn't pitched since 2006. But on the first day of baseball season, we're all tied for first. There is optimism. Glimmers of greatness, even. The prospect of another miracle. Remember, the 1991 Twins club was picked to finish dead last.

Dare I say it, there is hope in the air...



Yes, maybe I am suffering from a hope overdose. But this season, I am going to subscribe to the Barack Obama School of Baseball Thought (BOSBT). Even though Minnesota plays in baseball's toughest decision, is outmatched in practically every single statistically measurable category, and by all reason and convention, has no chance to make the playoffs, they do have hope. We have hope. I have hope. Sometimes that's all we can hold on to. Sure, this may all fade by Friday. That is quite possible. But it's no fun to go through baseball season with nothing to hope for.

Aaron's BOSBT World Series Prediction- Twins over Mets in 7 games