Well, I'm watching professional baseball again.

This is probably news to those of you who read my recent column, "Seasons Change," where I mentioned that I had stopped watching it.

The reason for my transformation, however, can best be described in two words -- Minnesota Twins, who are, frankly, playing better than they have in about a decade. I didn't expect it to happen, but now that it has, I must watch.

I must watch because their recent play -- a 10-game winning streak and their 45-35 overall record -- surprises even the idealistic side of my brain.

Given my recent return to baseball fandom (or spectatorship, if you prefer), I will be writing about baseball throughout the month of July. I plan to write commentaries about all aspects of the game, and welcome readers' questions and feedback.

My goals in the upcoming month will be to stimulate discussion about baseball, why we watch it, as well as why and how baseball matters in American society (or does it matter at all?)

A few of the topics ahead:

Steroids
I've already discussed the steroid issue, but this month I would like to delve deeper into that debate. Are there ever situations in which steroid use, in professional sports, but particularly in baseball, would be justified? Might it be plausible to have a steroid league and a steroid-free league? If there were two such leagues, which league would we watch and why?

The Fans
What are baseball fans like? What distinguishes them from fans in other sports? How should one watch a live baseball game? Is there an unspoken, or unwritten, code of ethics for baseball fans? Should such a code of ethics exist? What purpose do baseball fans serve?

Baseball in Society
Are baseball players role models? Should they be? How should journalists cover baseball? What traits (positive and negative) can young players learn from the game?

I'm looking forward to an exciting month filled with spirited discussion and debate. I hope you'll join me.