Game Time: 6:05 PM (CT) Location: Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome Opponent: Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim

Real baseball is finally upon us. Thankfully our shiny new stadium is still two years away—tomorrow's forecast: High of 33° with snow likely. It will be 70° and dry in the dome and for about 1 week we can actually appreciate our otherwise crappy ballpark.

The big story, of course, is the return of Torii Hunter, as an Angel, but it will also be the opportunity to get a first look at many of the Twins' new faces. Among the starters, the new faces you'll see include:

• Brendan Harris, 2B
• Adam Everett, SS
• Mike Lamb, 3B
• Delmon Young, LF
• Carlos Gomez, CF
• Livan Hernandez, SP

Some players you won't be seeing:

• Johan Santana, New York Mets
• Torii Hunter, (well, you will see him, just not in the right uniform)
• Jason Bartlett, Tampa Bay
• Luis Castillo, Mets
• Rondell White, Retired (I almost forgot about him too)
• Carlos Silva, Mariners
• Matt Garza, Tampa Bay

Check out my 2008 roster post, which serves as an index to the player projections I've been working on the past couple weeks.

Pitching Matchup

The matchup is not what you would expect for opening day. The Twins will send out veteran Livan Hernandez, who may actually be the worst pitcher in the rotation. The Angels, plagued with early injuries to John Lackey and Kelvim Escobar, will send out Jered Weaver, who posted a 13-7 record with a 3.91 ERA.

What to look for

• Joe Mauer is healthy and is due to bounce back after a flat 2007
• Delmon Young is 22 years old and already has a quality MLB season on his resume. Watch for his strong arm in LF.
• Adam Everett is considered the best defensive shortstop of this generation. I can't wait to see a couple balls hit his way.
• Carlos Gomez is fast. If we're lucky, we'll see him chase down a fly ball he has no business catching and maybe steal a base or two.
• The heart of the lineup: Mauer, Young, Morneau and Cuddyer fill out the 2 through 5 spots in the lineup.
• If Joe Nathan makes it into the game in the 9th, he'll be payed approximately $170,000 to pitch that inning.

Livan was 11-11 with a 4.93 ERA as a member of the Arizona Diamondbacks in 2008. He had a 6.38 ERA in 24.0 spring innings.