The week that was

As the Twins get set to take on the White Sox today in Chicago, let's review what we've learned from week 1 of the 2008 season, if anything.

• 1. Maybe the pitching won't be so bad after all: Two good starts from Hernandez, two decent starts by Boof, a glimpse of some good from Baker and Blackburn, and solid bullpen work has to have some Twins fans optimistic. The best stat: two walks by the starting pitchers in the first 6 games.
• 2. Maybe the offense won't be so good after all: Aside from Carlos Gomez's exciting debut and Morneau's weekend wake-up, the offense was eerily reminiscent of 2007. I know Delmon Young will get going,and Cuddyer won't be out long, but you have to wonder where the power is going to come from after Morneau. The Twins need to see more from Craig Monroe and Mike Lamb.
• 3. Carlos Gomez is fun to watch, whether it's good (bunting for base hits, stealing bases) or bad (missing the cutoff man, getting thrown out trying to stretch a single into a double). And his post-game interviews are very entertaining.
• 4. The bench is better: Again, I know it's early, but I'd much rather see Matt Tolbert and Denard Span show what they can do than watch Jason Tyner and Lew Ford prolong their marginal major league careers. And whatever you think of Nick Punto, his glove alone is a good reason to have him around.