Well, OK, not really. It's a typically beautiful Southern California day here, perfect weather, sunshine, low 70s. Twins pitchers are playing catch with a frisbee in the outfield and Jose Mijares - Jose Mijares! - is jumping rope down the rightfield line.

Joe Christensen and I will cover the rest of this series then head home to cover the opening of Target Field. La Velle Neal will cover the weekend series - and whatever might happen on Rush Street at midnight - this weekend in Chicago.

Last night, Joe and I shot a video recapping Opening Day. We'll both be blogging and using Twitter from Anaheim during this series.

Early thoughts today, before the clubhouse opens in 20 minutes:

-My guess is Nick Blackburn will show better composure today than Scott Baker did yesterday. I think Blackburn is the starter I trust the most on this staff. He may never be dominant, but I like his approach and mental toughness.

-The Twins' bench is better than in most years because of the presence of Jim Thome, but it's also shallower because of the presence of Jim Thome.

The Twins have four bench players - backup catcher Drew Butera, infielder Alexi Casilla, Thome and infielder Brendan Harris. When Thome pinch-hits, Ron Gardenhire has to use a defensive replacement for him, meaning half his bench is eaten up with one move. Add in the fact that Gardy hates to use his backup catcher as anything other than insurance, and one move leaves him with only one move remaining.

-Everyone tells me what a great game Butler-vs-Duke was. I still can't get excited about an average Duke team winning the title over a mid-major. To me, it's an indictment of college basketball. The best players leave too quickly.

-The Twins' clubhouse can be a remarkably relaxed place. I went down after filing last night to chat with a couple of players, and ran into Jesse Crain. He showed me his new Ipad, and then Cuddyer came over and showed off his. They are thrilled with them.

-Musical note: The Wilco film ``Ashes of American Flags" is a great snapshot of a great American band. Jeff Tweedy's emotive voice and Nels Cline's remarkable lead guitar slice right down to your soul. Check it out on Sundance Channel.

And if you haven't taken my previous recommendation and watched Spectacle: Elvis Costello With... on Sundance, you're missing great interviews and music. Elvis and Springsteen playing together on ``Seeds" is great, gritty rock and roll.

-You can follow me on Twitter at Souhanstrib.

-I'll blog again later today, maybe after the game.