There is a Chill As Cold as Minnesota Telling Me It's Over: Game Preview and Thread, Jays at Twins

Hi everyone. I finally got back to Washington today after over two weeks in Las Vegas, Toronto, and New York, and it is very nice to be home. I even got back in time to enjoy the weather with a nice long run, so I'm in a good mood though exhausted.

The Jays are probably tired themselves, considering that they have begun the season with 7 straight games (winning 5 of them), including one seven and a half hour marathon and there is no respite for our weary corvid warriors (who are now on the road after beginning the season at home) for another full week. This 4-game series against the Twins features some compelling pitching matchups, and despite the difficulty of going to the Metrodome and winning, the Jays' goal has to be to take the series and start off the season with three straight series victories.

Today's game will feature two fine young pitchers in Jesse Litsch and Kevin Slowey -- both known for their impeccable control. Neither one pitched great his first time out, so both will be looking to follow up with an excellent start.

In non-baseball news, has anyone ever seen the BBC series Spaced? I have been watching it for the first time and have really enjoyed it. Also, today's title comes from the song "Cold as Minnesota" by the Seattle band Math & Physics Club.

Update: Jesse Litsch left the game in the 4th inning with "forearm tightness" in his pitching arm. As we discuss in the game thread, we certainly don't know anything else yet (Litsch will be examined tomorrow) but "forearm tightness" ranks right up there with "James Andrews" as two words that strike fear into pitchers' hearts. Indeed, the description and circumstances are frighteningly similar to what happened with Marcum last year. We'll just have to wait, and hope...