The days where we get to drink pricey beer from the bleachers at Target Field are drawing near, with the first Spring Training game set for this Thursday against the Boston Red Sox in Fort Myers, Florida.

Ron Gardenhire has assigned pitchers for the first six games, with Nick Blackburn and Kevin Slowey getting the nod for the Mayor's Cup opener in Ft Myers, followed by Carl Pavano on Friday at Hammond Stadium in a split squad matchup. Then, Francisco Liriano will start Saturday against Boston at City of Palms Park. I'm not exactly sure how to explain how fired up I am to see these guys in action. It's been a long winter!

Scott Baker (the Twins Opening Day hurler) and Brian Duensing will take the hill on Sunday when half the team will hang out to face the New York Yankees while the rest head to Bradenton to take on the Pittsburgh Pirates. Glen Perkins, who is vying for that fifth rotation spot, will probably pitch Friday after Pavano or Saturday after Liriano.

Jake and Teresa Mauer, proud parents of reigning American League MVP and three-time batting champ Joe Mauer, toured their son's new home a few days ago and walked away pretty impressed.

Jake noticed the lack of foul territory, which he thinks the hitters will enjoy. The pitchers? Not so much. Aside from that, and being thrilled that the field is covered with real grass like we all are, he also took a liking to the The Legends Club, calling the suites "top shelf." But is that where he plans on sitting to watch his kid play ball? Not necessarily.

My kinda guy.

At the risk of sounding like a total "homer" for being kind of excited to watch some Twins baseball this season... how pumped are you guys for Spring Training games to start?

P.S. Hearing about Joe's mom always makes me think of the commercial...