This was originally published at The Tenth Inning Stretch

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Here is this week's installment:

• The opening day was a bummer but featured somewhat a comeback, for which I was thankful. Still the Twins lost, which is not good. My thoughts as I was watching that game are here. The second game debacle did not put me in a great mood and the third game was the cherry on top. At least there were a couple of bright points: Swarzak's performance on short notice, Jamey Carroll's defense, Frankie Liriano's first inning. Glen Perkins and Brian Duensing have done a remarkable job when called upon.
  
• The home opener yesterday afternoon was pretty interesting, until the manager of the millennium per habit, left Blackburn in a batter or 2 too many. After 4 games the Twins as a team are hitting a collective Buteraesque: .165/.252/.240 and only Josh Willingham (1.390/239 OPS+) and Justin Morneau (.829/149 OPS+) have OPS higher than league average
  
• The Twins are 14th in the AL in OPS and Runs Scored, 12th in ERA, 10th in WHIP and Runs allowed/game and 11th in Runs Allowed so far. But the Defense has improved: They are 8th (and above league average) for Defensive Efficiency and tied for 4th for Total Fielding Runs above average. I would not be surprised to see Mr Brunansky as the hitting coach soon
  
• Scary thought: Matt Maloney might be part of the Twins' rotation in 2013.
  
• Apparently with all the issues Scott Baker had in Spring Training, his first MRI was after his failed start with the Miracle last week. I hope that Terry Ryan who has been blowing hot air about accountability explains that
  
• Ken Rosenthal wrote this incredible story about the bike accident of Reese Marquis and her healing. A MUST read, especially if you have kids. You might understand what Jason Marquis was going through.
  
• Looks like the Twins jumped up a few spots on these and these pre-opening day power rankings
  
• From the cannot make it up department: Matt Capps' middle name is "Dicus" (No K). I swear. Look it up.
  
• Twins' middle infield prospect with the Beloit Snappers AJ Pettersen Is trying to explain the art of choosing a walkout song.
  
• R.A. Dickey's Wherever I Wind Up: My Quest for Truth, Authenticity and the Perfect Knuckleballhttp://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=biowriters&l=as2&o=1&a=0399158154 is great. A must read feel good story from a former Twins' pitcher.
  
• The Twins' product of the week, is the MLB Men's Minnesota Twins Arch Classic Long Sleeve Full Zip Hooded Fleece, in Athletic Navyhttp://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=biowriters&l=as2&o=1&a=B004YIY3N4. You cannot beat the price and I picked one for myself to wear at my local ballpark.
  

The parting shot today is of Mr Nicholas Blackburn. He was alright in the home opener, until Gardenhire left him in a couple batters too long:

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7069/7064953867_71872c52f7_o.jpg