I had intended to watch the Twins' spring training game on television last night but, like so many nights, was distracted by a conversation with a co-worker and didn't get home until after 8. By then, Boston had a comfortable 5-0 lead, kicking our big off-season pickup Jason Marquis (sarcasm intended) out of the game with only five outs.

The game also appeared to be headed into four-hour territory (how does Boston do that?) and listening to Dick and Bert seemed too exhaustive. If you miss the first four innings of a spring training game you're not likely to find anyone you know batting and the uniform numbers seem more appropriate on offensive linemen than pitchers.

Spring training baseball really isn't all the exciting since these games mean absolutely nothing. The Twins could win (or lose) all of them and it wouldn't matter a bit when April 6 rolls around.

Spring training is basically for pitchers to build their arm strength and for the media to spend a few weeks in warm weather hashing over who will play where, who's injured, who's looking in shape, who's looking out of shape, who has a chance of making the team, who doesn't have a chance - when we all really know the roster was set before Twins Fest.

Still, seeing the games on television (day games, at least) is uplifting, a good reminder that spring will return, green grass will grow, short-sleeves will be appropriate for outdoors yet again.

For those who did watch last night's game, any insights I missed while mixing up granola?