Always have a backup team

The good thing about having a couple of "favorites" when it comes to sports teams, particularly now with Major League Baseball, is that when one team struggles, you can fall back on the other.

That is, if that other team is doing well.

I feel fortunate now, with the Rockies off to their best 12-game start in history. Not so much for my No. 1 team, the Twins.

It's been a tough beginning for the Twins, who year-in and year-out challenge for the AL Central title. This year should be no exception. But a 4-8 beginning isn't the type of  start you look for, especially with the talent that they have on the roster.  Although just 12 games into a 162-game season, it is early and by no means are the Twins out of it despite their woes. But of those eight losses, too many probably shouldn't have happened.

There are some games that no matter how good you are, you're going to lose. There are others that you shouldn't have lost ... period. Thursday night was a prime example. Minnesota goes into the bottom of the 9th with a 2-0 lead over an offensive-challenged Tampa Bay team. The Twins, by the book, bring in All-Star closer Joe Nathan and he quickly gets the first out. A couple of singles and a double later, though, it is officially a blown save for Nathan as the Rays tie the game at 2-2.

Minnesota comes out in the 10th and scores a run for a 3-2 edge. OK, fine, bring in another quality closer in Matt Capps and call it a win. Not so fast. After a one-pitch out to begin the bottom half of the inning, Capps gives up a single and home run to Johnny Damon. Blown save No. 2. Game over, 4-3 Tampa Bay.

Can a team officially be credited with two blown saves in one game? Regardless, it was a loss that never should have happened.

While it is just one game, you have to remember that historically the AL Central often goes down to the final day. The Twins are proof of that, playing in the 163rd game two years in a row recently. The sports cliche of every game counts comes into play here.

To top things off, the Twins place All-star catcher Joe Mauer on the disabled list with "sore legs," stemming from the pressure he put on them from his off-season knee surgery. His knee is OK, but his legs are sore.

It was what the doctor didn't order.

Oh well, I still have the Rockies. And how about those Rockies? A 10-2 start and Troy Tulowitzki is lights out, going 10 of 16 in the 4-game road sweep at the Mets, hitting four dingers and driving in eight. The Rocks went 7-1 on the road trip, which likely is their best 8-game road trip ever, especially with their history of not playing well on the road.

Now they are back home for three with the Cubs and three with the Giants.

I call Colorado my favorite NL lead and No. 2 team overall, so there's no jumping on the bandwagon here. I just might hitch up to the Rockies a little more these days ... until the Twins figure things out.

Now, if it would just feel like baseball weather.