Twins, Vikings, Wolves: Happy Opening Day?

I love Opening Day.

At least, that's what you'd expect me to say.

I also find Opening Day annoying for this reason: Too many people equate Opening Day with, let's say, an NFL game, where the result is important. The result isn't important. Nothing that happens today will be definitive.

But there is something I'll be watching for that could be indicative.

Miguel Sano had a mediocre spring following a mediocre season. Known for being a leader and fiery competitor in the minors, he didn't show much personality when I was around him this spring.

He was the Twins' best player when he was in the big leagues in 2015. He became one of their most vexing problems last year.

Fans have placed the onus on the Twins to find a position for Sano, but he has the athletic ability to play any corner position well if he applies himself. He should have been able to handle rightfield. He should be able to handle third base.

It's up to him. This may be the season in which we find out if he's going to be a superstar or a a bust.

So while today won't be definitive, I"ll be very interested to see whether he looks prepared to field his position and take good at-bats today. That's what I'll be watching.

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Adrian Peterson to the Patriots?

It would make sense in that Bill Belichick is always looking for underappreciated talent, and Peterson at this stage of his career is underappreciated.

Here's where it doesn't make sense: The Patriots' offense is intricate and based on protecting Tom Brady. Peterson is a lousy pass blocker and mediocre receiver who has always been more athletic than savvy when it comes to following play calls.

Belichick may consider it worth a try, but I doubt he'll be thrilled with the results over the course of a long season.

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The Timberwolves are officially a terrible disappointment. Their unwillingness to play intelligent and intense team defense against a team like Sacramento is a terrible sign, a sign that this group still doesn't get it.

That's on Tom Thibodeau, yes, but it's also on this team's young core and its only veteran leader, Ricky Rubio.

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Today noon-1 at Hell's Kitchen Al Newman and I will talk current Twins, and revisit the World Series titles. Please stop by, near 9th and Nicollet in downtown Minneapolis.