Opinion
Twins offer a look at spring
March 6, 2008
Despite the snowy conditions Wednesday morning, I still knew in the back of my mind that spring was not too far away.
As I made my way across campus I just kept thinking to myself “I think I can, I think I can.” I knew that the state of Wisconsin could and would have to endure the weather for a few a little while longer.
My socks got wet as I trudged through the snow. My fingers felt like they were ready to fall off after being outside for about six minutes and I knew that it was just going to get better.
And how do I keep that optimism you ask? Easy.
My mind wondered to a seemingly beautiful place, Fort Myers, Florida. This city in Florida is sunny, warm and full of what I wound consider fun.
Fort Myers is a city that I have never been to, but a place that the Minnesota Twins travel to every year for their spring training.
The idea behind spring training and the fact that the Twins have already played six games made me realize that even though the weather may suck now, soon I will be able to break out my sunglasses and flip flops.
On Sunday, I watched part of the Minnesota Twins spring training game against the Boston Red Sox and Wednesday I watched the Twins play against the Yankees.
Watching the people enjoy the games in the warm Florida sun with sunglasses, tank tops, and shorts made me very jealous, but it couldn’t overshadow the excitement that comes with the beginning of the baseball season.
It was exciting seeing Joe Mauer, Justin Morneau, Mike Redmond plus a bunch of new Twins take to the field for a new year.
As of Wednesday, the Twins record at spring sits at .500, which isn’t great and isn’t so bad either.
Baseball fans who know much more than me have told me that spring training is not about winning and losing. It’s about getting back on the field and playing the game. Everyone is always positive leading up to the season whether they are winning or losing and that’s what makes the game so great.
You don’t ever here anyone playing “the blame game” or getting mad at another player. It’s at times like this when you see how much athletes really love the game and are excited to get back into action after about four months off.
While some Twins fans may be skeptical coming into this season due to the loss of players like Johan Santana and Torii Hunter, I’m not. I am ready for the new players we gained to show what they’ve got and I’m ready for our veteran leaders who weren’t the best last year to step up.
Opening day is less than a month away and when it comes the Twins will be ready.
This season could be a great one for the Twins and it all started in Fort Myers while it was still snowing in Wisconsin.
Sarah Packingham is a former member of the Student Voice staff.