Article: Minnesota Sports Fan Unable to Choose Between Panic, Dread

[RandBalls Stu]

The upcoming Cleveland series functions as a measuring stick for the rest of the Twins season. One Cokato man knows this all too well.Ted Harju, 48, spent the All-Star break like a lot of Twins fans: enjoying the midsummer classic, getting projects done on his free weeknights, and alternating between feelings of wall-climbing panic and mild, existential dread.

 

“I’ve been a Minnesota sports fan my entire life,” said Harju, who works for a local utility company. “I can feel the darkness at all times, but with all the injuries and Cleveland playing so well, I worry that my constant, low-grade anxiety isn’t enough. I should be full-blown terrified. Like, right now.”

 

Minnesota’s 2019 season has so far been marked by a lack of “here we go again” slumps, punishing indifference, and gutting defeats in crucial spots that are the lifeblood of their home state’s professional and college teams. Harju knows that past performance isn’t always indicative of future results. But he remains skeptical.

 

“I mean, the Lynx have had a great run, and the Olympic curling team guys are all from Hermantown or something,” said Harju. “It’s not impossible for a Minnesota team to rise to the occasion. But man. They lost half their division lead in two weeks without even playing all that bad, and if Cleveland sweeps them…” Harju’s voice trailed off and he began to pace.

 

“But I have to look at it rationally. They probably won’t get swept. Cleveland can’t stay this hot. The schedule gets so easy later in the season. None of the injuries were season-ending. They’ll shore up the bullpen and maybe get another starting pitcher.”

 

Harju sat down.

 

“If they’re going to break my heart, they’re going to do it in the postseason. I tell myself to remember that and just relax for now. But. But.”

 

Harju excused himself to mow the lawn for the fourth time in nine days.

 

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[USAFChief]

It took a great deal of courage to open this article. I just knew what it was going to be about.

[diehardtwinsfan]

 

It took a great deal of courage to open this article. I just knew what it was going to be about.

 

I'm trying to figure out how the Vikings didn't get brought into this. 

[KFEY93]

 

I'm trying to figure out how the Vikings didn't get brought into this. 

BECAUSE WE DONT JINX THEIR SEASON BEFORE THEY EVEN GET ON THE PRACTICE FIELD! 

[Number3]

Starting pitching, starting pitching, starting pitching, starting pitching starting with Kyle Gibson tonight.

No more complicated than that. Do they need to be lights out every game? Of course not. But allowing 4 runs or less over AT LEAST 5 innings, preferably 6 or more is not too much to ask. 5 runs wins most games and the offense is capable of that most games. What is required of the bull pen is a game-game situation but offense and starters know what they need to do before the first pitch is thrown.

[TwinsFan50]

Had the same thought about the Cleveland series. Quickly rationalized that the Twins wouldn't get swept, and going 2 - 1 is only one game lost in the race.

 

But what if the Twins swept the Indians.....

[Don Walcott]

I'm calm . . . .

[jkcarew]

I don't get it.

[diehardtwinsfan]

 

BECAUSE WE DONT JINX THEIR SEASON BEFORE THEY EVEN GET ON THE PRACTICE FIELD! 

 

It's the Vikings. The whole team is jinxed... it always will be. 

[bunt_vs_the_shift]

Are you surprised by my tears?... Strong men...also cry

[howeda7]

 

BECAUSE WE DONT JINX THEIR SEASON BEFORE THEY EVEN GET ON THE PRACTICE FIELD! 

DELVIN COOK IS FINE AND WILL TOTALLY PLAY 16 GAMES THIS YEAR. BELIEVE ME.

[howeda7]

So here would sign up for winning one of three this week-end?