Jon Marthaler bakes up a batch of delicious links just for you. Other times, you can find him here and here. (Iguana photo taken by us in Puerto Rico). Jon?

--------------

My first Twins game was in July of 1987. Kirby Puckett was perhaps at the height of his home run-robbing powers, but I didn't get to see him play center field; it was the day after the All-Star break, and Puckett had left his glove on the plane (or so I recall the story). Mark Davidson played center, the Twins lost to Toronto 5-2, and -- though this may well be a trick of the memory -- Fred McGriff's fourth-inning home run just barely cleared the fence in center, and might have been exactly the type of homer that Puckett could have taken away.

I mention this only to comment on the pressure that's on Joe Mauer these days. It's possible that Mauer may not catch today, and it's also possible -- perhaps even likely -- that today will be the first-ever Twins game for a very disappointed person in a very small #7 jersey. Twenty-three years later, Puckett not being in center field is one of the first things I remember about that day; if Kent Hrbek hadn't played that day, I might have sobbed for the first four innings. Now that burden is entirely on Mauer.

On with the links:

*Class is now in session, with professor Parker Hageman lecturing as usual. Today's topic: Why Francisco Liriano looked better in his second start, as compared to his first. (There will be a test.)

*One of the reasons I like the Vikes Geek so much is that he's clearly a Vikings fan, but also clearly quite levelheaded. With the Vikings stadium in the news of late, he's back once again, warning us all to keep one hand on our wallets during this process.

*Spencer Hall has been taking a lot of trips to non-mainstream sporting events lately. I have linked to just about every one. I will continue this policy. Today's trip: NASCAR!

*Speaking of Spencer, with spring football well underway both here in Minneapolis and elsewhere, he's looking to the future, with a guide to the absolute basics you should know to be a football fan.

*And finally: the Daily Gopher did a profile of Gopher gymnast Aaron Fortunato, one of the many Gopher athletes you won't hear anything about - but should.

On that note: enjoy your Saturday. Sounds like half the world will be at today's Twins game, soaking up some sun (and hopefully another ten runs). I'll see you all there!