“WILL THEY DO IT? WILL THEY GIVE IN TO THE TEMPTATION OF THE BUTTON? THE BEAUTIFUL, SHINY BUTTON! THE JOLLY, CANDY-LIKE BUTTON!”

The temptation is real folks. Three games into the season and some of Twins territory already have their grubby little fingers massaging the red, circular form of the Panic Button.

Sure, this season may be starting out on the same dismal path of the last three seasons. Sure, the Twins have scored just one, measly run of offense that wasn’t even charged to the pitcher. Sure, they’ve produced fewer hits (14) than we’ve allowed runs (22). Sure, we’ve only had one pitcher make it past the fourth inning. Sure, our shiny new $54 million toy is suspended half the season. Sure, our $49 million acquisition from last year has crapped his pants in almost every start he’s had since joining Minnesota and one start into the season already has elbow discomfort. Sure, our hometown nine is on pace to be outscored 1188-54 for the season. But people, people, for the love of whatever holy deity you pray to, get your finger off that panic button. It’s three games into the season for crying out loud.

Yes, some of the moves early in the season have been absolutely mystifying (looking at you in the rotation, Pelfrey), and yes, we have a plethora of talent (May, Meyer, Rosario, etc.) that have done all they can do in the minors or spring training and for all intents and purposes should be in majors taking their licks honing their game in Kasota gold, but patience is a virtue.

Yes, the outfield is a complete mess right now. Eduardo Escobar was playing left field in the final game of the Detroit series. Jordan Schafer looks almost as lost in center field as Aaron Hicks. Torii Hunter still has flashes of brilliance but is going to be 40 before I’m stuffing three orders of cheese curds into my face at the State Fair in September. Byron Buxton may be the Chosen One, but set back after freak injury last year has pushed his timetable back a bit. For perspective, he played fewer games in the minors last year than Torii has celebrated birthdays.

The infield seems to be a little more settled. Mauer seems more comfortable in his new home that resides ninety feet from his old home. Dozier signed a four year extension that will keep #2 at the two bag for the foreseeable future. Danny Santana is finally getting an extended look at his native position with results still in question, but the outlook is optimistic. Plouffe has been relatively solid at third but who knows how long it will be until Sano is up in the majors mashing taters and stealing bases. Stealing a base. Ok, maybe that was a one-time deal, but when you have the no. 12 prospect in all of baseball nipping at your heels, stepping up is the only option for Trevor.

Am I as frustrated as everyone else at the miserable start to the season? You’re damn right. Am I worried about the rotation having an ERA higher than Wiz Khalifa? You’re damn right. Do I want to see the young guns up in Minneapolis to see if they can really sink or swim? You’re damn right. But am I ready to mash the panic button and deem this a lost season when we’ve only played three games on the road against a Tiger team who won the AL Central last year? Not a chance, and neither should you.