Game 0: Twins at Cubs

First Pitch: 6:05p Central
Telly: FOX Sports North; MLB Network (out-of-market); fubo.tv (subscription)
Radio (English): WCCO 830 AM, Treasure Island Baseball Network
Radio (Spanish): twinsbeisbol.com
Know Thine Enemy: Bleed Cubbies Blue

It’s happening. Well, kind of. I mean, it is, just exhibition-style, and not quite for real. But almost.

First things first: the Twins website says the game is at 6:05 p.m. Central Time, so that’s what we’re going with. But for those of us who are out-of-market, MLB Network says the game begins at 7:05 CT. Here’s hoping they don’t join the game in the fourth inning...

At any rate, if you can, tune in at 6:05 CT.

Secondly, this game is affectionately being termed as Game 0 by yours truly. It’s the first (and the last) game the Twins have played against anyone besides themselves since early March.

No, this game doesn’t matter. Not in the least bit. But it would be nice if the following happened...

1. Stay healthy. Please, please, please. On that note, you’ll find Miguel Sano in the starting lineup below, but no Luis Arraez or Byron Buxton. It’ll be interesting to see if all three are in the lineup on Friday on the South Side...my money is on yes, but time will tell.
2. A strong start from Homer Bailey. Yes, he’s an upgrade over Martin Perez in the No. 5 spot, but here’s hoping for something much, much better than what ol’ Marty provided in the back half of last season. If not, there are plenty of guys waiting in the wings: Devin Smeltzer, Lewis Thorpe, Randy Dobnak ... shall I go on?
3. A win. Nope, it doesn’t count. But who doesn’t like winning?

The Twins will be taking on Jon Lester, so that means we’ll have Mitch Garver in the leadoff spot and Maximilian Kepler down in the No. 8 slot.

Enjoy the game, join the thread below, and we’ll see you back here at TT immediately following the game for a recap.

Now, get a glimpse at this murderer’s row of bats...