Here are some numbers we just can't quite seem to shake. Perhaps you will find them interesting as well. If not, well, what exactly did it cost you? *4: As in, every Twins starting pitcher has at least four victories. That means they're all on pace for at least 15 victories. Of the team's 24 victories, 21 have been by starting pitchers. Stunningly, the one who has probably been the most mediocre -- Kevin Slowey -- leads the way with 5 victories, which ties him for the AL lead. Did you know: Slowey has pitched between 4.2 and 5.2 innings in seven of his eight starts? This can't continue ... unless, of course, the Twins can score 7.4 runs/game in his victories the rest of the season.
*13: That's where Peter King has the Vikings in his preseason rankings. If you're like us, you had a good laugh at the start (Green Bay at No. 1? Really? Seriously, we think the Packers will be good, but ... not even a self-respecting Wisconsin lover can put them at the top), then your amusement turned to disbelief as the numbers ticked by without a trace of purple. Sure, the schedule will present some challenges. Sure, the team ain't getting any younger. But last we checked pretty much everyone is coming back from a team that was arguably the most talented in the NFL. This is not their drop-off year. That would be 2011.
*3: As in, the number of players David Kahn says are worthy of being chosen No. 1 overall in the NBA draft. Not sure what his game is here -- whether he's bracing folks for a lottery heartbreak and bounceback, setting up some sort of trade scenario or what, but if the Wolves get one of the top two picks and don't take either John Wall or Evan Turner ... well, the honeymoon here will be over.
*38.69: The percent chance the Wolves will get one of the top two picks based on math.
*0: The percent chance the Wolves will get one of the top two picks based on history.
*1: The Twins' rank in the American League in both walks drawn on offense (166) and fewest walks allowed as a pitching staff (90).
