Spring Training Notes-2/22

• Yesterday, Justin Morneau spoke to the media upon his arrival in Fort Myers for Spring Training. He said its been a battle all winter and that he has not yet reached 100 percent health. Morneau, of course, trying to recover from concussion symptoms that he suffered July 7 vs Toronto. He also stated that he has yet to be cleared for game activity. He can participate in the teams workouts, but he will not be in the first few ST games. This raised many red flags across Twins Territory. I, myself, wasn't as shocked as others about the news. But it does puzzle me that the Twins havent gone out and looked at a player to come in and play first if Morneau can't go by Opening Day. Yes, Michael Cuddyer can fill in there, but it would make more sense to bring in a first baseman so Cuddyer could remain in right field and remain to have a somewhat decent outfield defense.
• Francisco Liriano threw his first bullpen today since suffering shoulder soreness. I personally didn't have any concerns about the injury. It is a common thing to see in Spring Training (See Scott Baker in '09). So unless he had another setback with this, this injury should be a thing of the past. Nick Nelson had an interesting blog on Frankie's work ethic and how that played a part in his shoulder soreness and maybe why the team didn't commit a long term contract to the left hander.
  
• Tsuyoshi Nishioka spent the first few days in camp on one of the back fields working out himself. Although today he met with more teammates and will practice with the team tomorrow for their first full squad workout. It will be interesting to see how the team is able to communicate with him on the field, as Nishioka speaks very little english since coming over from Japan. As La Velle noted in his blog today, that Gardy might carry a Japanese dictionary for tomorrow's workout just so he can communicate easy. Gardy has been studying Japanese this offseason and has been seen with some books in his office in Fort Myers. Also, Nishioka's translator will be on the field tomorrow to make sure Tsuyoshi understands what the drills are. Hopefully, this communication irons itself out over the course of the Spring.
• Today, Head and Shoulders welcomed a new spokesperson to its lineup. Joe Mauer. The campaign featuring Mauer won't come out until July. For the offical H&D press release click here. Under here is a behind the scenes video with Joe.