Showing posts with label Spring Blog. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Spring Blog. Show all posts
Saturday, March 27, 2010
Twins Spring Blog-Final Roster decisions
Today after the Twins defeated Philadelphia 8-4 at Hammond Stadium they made some pretty significant roster moves. They reassigned a few minor leaguers, OF Jacque Jones, and INF Matt Tolbert to the minor league camp. Sending Tolbert down means INF Alexi Casilla locked up the last roster spot off the bench. I personally have to disagree with this move due to the fact Tolbert is a hustle player and does those little things that win ballgames. He also keeps his head on his shoulders after making bad plays (which are rare from him), whereas Casilla would pout about it and just give up for a few innings. Casilla had no minor league options left and Tolbert had one. So had the Twins decided to stick with Tolbert, and send Casilla to AAA-Rochester, he would of had to pass through waivers, meaning any team in MLB could of picked him up. Had this been my decision I would of kept Tolbert and taken my chances with Casilla going on waivers. Alexi had his chances and he could not come through (except in game 163). As for the sending Jacque Jones down, that was a tough move, but was another case of not having enough roster spots. Jones was having a phenominal spring hitting .344 with 2 home runs and 4 runs batted in, in 12 games played. He truly made Gardenhire's job not easy. Jones will accept his demotion to the minors and should a Twins outfielder get hurt, look for Jones to get called back up. I would not mind seeing him back in a Twins uniform again. I'll probably only do one more spring blog and over the course of next week I will start looking at each division in MLB and I will make my season predicitons before Opening Day next Sunday.
Thursday, March 25, 2010
Twins Spring Blog-Mahay returns
Yesterday the Twins announced they have signed left handed reliever Ron Mahay to a minor league deal. Mahay was a late season acquisition for the Twins in 2009 and was another key left handed specialist out of the bullpen. But I wondered why the Twins brought in another reliever when they have an already jammed packed bullpen. But as I pondered more I had more ideas pop into my head. So here are some of those moves I wondered:
- Jose Mijares could be getting a shot at closer
- Pat Neshek could start the season at AAA-Rochester to get some more confidence before pitching against MLB hitters
- Even though the Twins are going to have Francisco Liriano start they are still considering him as closer
- They have not been satisfied with Clay Condrey this spring and he will have a short leash to start the year.
- The Twins can use another bullpen pitcher now as leverage in a potential trade for a closer
- Or he simply could be here as a back up in case someone gets injured
Monday, March 22, 2010
Twins Spring Blog-Mauer Deal
Today if you are a Twins fan, there was a late Christmas present unwrapped today. Behind that gold wrapping was a 8 year contract extension for catcher Joe Mauer. His deal will pay $184 million from 2011-2018 and comes with a full no-trade clause, ensuring he will stay in a Twins uniform. At the end of that contract he will have played 15 seasons in a Twins uniform, the most by any player since the team moved to Minnesota in 1961.For me, its exciting knowing that Joe Mauer will fall in line behind Harmon Killebrew, Rod Carew, Kent Hrbek, and Kirby Puckett as the faces of this franchise. I dont feel this deal will handicap this team. I think as long as the fans continue to come out and watch, the front office will put a competitive team on the field. And that's one of the reasons Joe stayed here was his confidence in the front office to keep putting competitive teams on the field. And in my opinion as long as he is here there will be good players around him so they can win. And dont forget the Twins have a minor league system that continues to produce major league quality talent seemingly every season, which has been huge for them in the 50 seasons they have been in Minnesota. Also, with the amount of money the Pohlad family has put out this offseason in free agents and contract extensions, it shows they are willing to spend the money and shows how much the Metrodome handicapped this team. This deal is not only good for the Twins, its good for baseball. Its good that the middle to small market teams do have a chance of keeping their best player and not let them walk away to the big markets of New York, Boston, or Los Angeles. Baseball needs teams like the Twins stepping up against those big market teams so they can't win it every year. The Twins have become the model franchise in MLB, and again today they continued to set the bar. So my bottom line is the deal is good with me and it secures the future of the Twins for the next decade.
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
Twins Spring Blog-Closer Options
Well, i'm sure you've heard by now the closer Joe Nathan's season is in serious jeopardy with a torn ligament in his right elbow. He will rest for two weeks and see if he can tough it out and pitch this season, but if he cannot, he will have surgery and will miss the entire 2010 season. And from what i've heard there is a 90% probability that he will require surgery. So the question now is who will shut the door for the Twins? I will look at some in-house options and some players the Twins could possibly go after.
Matt Guerrier-Right Matty G is the clubhouse leader to assume the role of closer. Last year he had 79 appearances (Most in MLB) and had a 2.36 ERA with a 0.97 WHIP. Guerrier was a closer in the minor leagues before the Twins kept him as a middle reliever. He did have a 5 out save last year on a day where Joe Nathan was unavailable due to throwing 50+ pitches the night before. He looked a bit shaky in that outing giving up two hits and a run to Kansas City. But none the less Ron Gardenhire has a lot of confidence in Guerrier so this job is his to lose.
Jon Rauch-Rauch is the other leading canidate to become the closer in 2010. He does have MLB closing experience with 24 career saves, 18 coming in 2008 with Washington and Arizona. He did have 6 blown saves in the same year while posting a 4.14 ERA. At 6'10" he brings an intimidation factor to the mound that you might not find with Matty Guerrier. Rauch was a late season acquisition for the Twins in 2009 going 5-1 with a 1.72 ERA and 1.21 WHIP in his 17 games in Minnesota.
Pat Neshek-For those thinking that Neshek should be the closer in Nathan's absense, you can dream on. I can't see Gardy and his staff putting Neshek in the closer's role right off the bat after coming off Tommy John Surgery in the winter of 2008/2009. If he pitches very well you might see him in the role, if Guerrier or Rauch falter. But don't take that to the bank. Even though Neshek has a career 2.91 ERA and 0.96 career WHIP, I can't see him coming out in the ninth.The Twins will just keep him as a middle relief/setup man to get his confidence back.
Jose Mijares-A lot has to happen for this job to fall on the left arm of Mijares. In the past season and a half the Twins have used him as a left handed specialist. He has done well with the job posting a 2.12 ERA and 1.05 WHIP in that time. He's just 26 years old and entering his second full season in the big leagues. And his performance in last years playoffs show he might need another year or two before you can seriously talk about him as a closer.
Jesse Crain-Right now, Crain lacks the consistency to be put in the closer conversation. In the past four seasons his ERA has gone from 3.52 to 5.51 to 3.59 and finally up to 4.70 in 2009. It's very unlikely the Twins would trust Crain in the ninth with the way his career has gone so far. All we can hope for is he remains effective as a middle reliever.
Anthony Slama-Slama is not on the 40-man roster so no i do not think he will be in the big leagues to start the season. But he could find his way up here during the season. If he hasn't been dubbed the closer of the future yet, he should be. Last season he posted a 25 save 2.48 ERA season with AA-New Britain before getting called up to AAA-Rochester where he got 4 saves before the season ended. His career ERA in the minors is 1.86 with a career 1.04 WHIP. At this rate, he should be in Twins pinstripes full time by 2012.
In-House Options
Matt Guerrier-Right Matty G is the clubhouse leader to assume the role of closer. Last year he had 79 appearances (Most in MLB) and had a 2.36 ERA with a 0.97 WHIP. Guerrier was a closer in the minor leagues before the Twins kept him as a middle reliever. He did have a 5 out save last year on a day where Joe Nathan was unavailable due to throwing 50+ pitches the night before. He looked a bit shaky in that outing giving up two hits and a run to Kansas City. But none the less Ron Gardenhire has a lot of confidence in Guerrier so this job is his to lose.
Jon Rauch-Rauch is the other leading canidate to become the closer in 2010. He does have MLB closing experience with 24 career saves, 18 coming in 2008 with Washington and Arizona. He did have 6 blown saves in the same year while posting a 4.14 ERA. At 6'10" he brings an intimidation factor to the mound that you might not find with Matty Guerrier. Rauch was a late season acquisition for the Twins in 2009 going 5-1 with a 1.72 ERA and 1.21 WHIP in his 17 games in Minnesota.
Pat Neshek-For those thinking that Neshek should be the closer in Nathan's absense, you can dream on. I can't see Gardy and his staff putting Neshek in the closer's role right off the bat after coming off Tommy John Surgery in the winter of 2008/2009. If he pitches very well you might see him in the role, if Guerrier or Rauch falter. But don't take that to the bank. Even though Neshek has a career 2.91 ERA and 0.96 career WHIP, I can't see him coming out in the ninth.The Twins will just keep him as a middle relief/setup man to get his confidence back.
Jose Mijares-A lot has to happen for this job to fall on the left arm of Mijares. In the past season and a half the Twins have used him as a left handed specialist. He has done well with the job posting a 2.12 ERA and 1.05 WHIP in that time. He's just 26 years old and entering his second full season in the big leagues. And his performance in last years playoffs show he might need another year or two before you can seriously talk about him as a closer.
Jesse Crain-Right now, Crain lacks the consistency to be put in the closer conversation. In the past four seasons his ERA has gone from 3.52 to 5.51 to 3.59 and finally up to 4.70 in 2009. It's very unlikely the Twins would trust Crain in the ninth with the way his career has gone so far. All we can hope for is he remains effective as a middle reliever.
Anthony Slama-Slama is not on the 40-man roster so no i do not think he will be in the big leagues to start the season. But he could find his way up here during the season. If he hasn't been dubbed the closer of the future yet, he should be. Last season he posted a 25 save 2.48 ERA season with AA-New Britain before getting called up to AAA-Rochester where he got 4 saves before the season ended. His career ERA in the minors is 1.86 with a career 1.04 WHIP. At this rate, he should be in Twins pinstripes full time by 2012.
Possible Acquistions
Heath Bell (SD)-Last year no one knew if Bell could close games for the Padres. Now everyone knows he can. He notched 42 saves while posting a 2.71 ERA in 2009 after the departure of Trevor Hoffman. In the offseason he signed a 1 year $4 million deal to avoid arbitration, and if he can continue to perform like he did the Padres might move him to save some money as he will earn a big contract in the upcoming offseason. And if the offer is right, the Friars will move him. You may recall the Twins and Padres had discussions in the offseason regarding 3B kevin Kouzmanoff so there would be some familiarity with the two sides. The Pads were very high on pitcher Glen Perkins and if he is still with the Twins he would be an almost certain part of a potential deal. But the Twins will have to throw in a high prized prospect or two to get the Padres attention if they choose to go after Bell. But are they willing to give into the high price?
George Sherrill (LAD)-If the Twins were looking for a possibly cheaper option, former Oriole closer George Sherrill could be available. Sherrill was a 2008 all star with Baltimore, while notching 82 Saves in his one and a half seasons there. He did carry a 3.67 ERA and 1.34 WHIP with the O's, but you gotta give the guy props for having decent numbers while closing games in the AL East. He is now the setup man for the Dodgers and with the ownership struggles, the Dodgers might be looking to cut some payroll during the year, and Sherrill would be a likely canidate with a shortage on good closers out there. The question arises again would the Twins be willing to give up higher profile prospects to get this guy to fill their hole at closer?
John Smoltz (FA)-Smoltz has a Dennis Eckersley type of career. Starter, closer, Starter. He is a 6 time all star as a starter and a two time all star as a closer. But, his success has come in the National League. He gave the American League a try last year with Boston and posted a 8.32 ERA in 8 games before being waived and claimed by St. Louis where he had a 4.32 ERA. Rumors has Smoltz signing with a National League team at some point this year, but if the price is right the Twins could come calling with a tryout for the ninth inning role. And Smoltz could go for it at this point in his career where he could be more effective pitching in just one inning. And he would also bring some great experience to a pitching staff that does not have much in postseason play. But again, Smoltz has to be open to trying the American League again, has to be open to closing, and needs to come at a bargain price which wouldn't be until mid-season. He would probably be conisdered a last resort.
George Sherrill (LAD)-If the Twins were looking for a possibly cheaper option, former Oriole closer George Sherrill could be available. Sherrill was a 2008 all star with Baltimore, while notching 82 Saves in his one and a half seasons there. He did carry a 3.67 ERA and 1.34 WHIP with the O's, but you gotta give the guy props for having decent numbers while closing games in the AL East. He is now the setup man for the Dodgers and with the ownership struggles, the Dodgers might be looking to cut some payroll during the year, and Sherrill would be a likely canidate with a shortage on good closers out there. The question arises again would the Twins be willing to give up higher profile prospects to get this guy to fill their hole at closer?
John Smoltz (FA)-Smoltz has a Dennis Eckersley type of career. Starter, closer, Starter. He is a 6 time all star as a starter and a two time all star as a closer. But, his success has come in the National League. He gave the American League a try last year with Boston and posted a 8.32 ERA in 8 games before being waived and claimed by St. Louis where he had a 4.32 ERA. Rumors has Smoltz signing with a National League team at some point this year, but if the price is right the Twins could come calling with a tryout for the ninth inning role. And Smoltz could go for it at this point in his career where he could be more effective pitching in just one inning. And he would also bring some great experience to a pitching staff that does not have much in postseason play. But again, Smoltz has to be open to trying the American League again, has to be open to closing, and needs to come at a bargain price which wouldn't be until mid-season. He would probably be conisdered a last resort.
Friday, February 26, 2010
Twins Spring Blog-Position Players
Today The position players for the Twins report to camp so i'll breakdown each player that has a chance to make the team.
INFIELDERS
Alexi Casilla 2B (.202 AVG, 0 HR, 17 RBI in 2009): Last year it looked like Casilla was going to be the starting second baseman. But after a poor start and a minor league stint, Casilla was unable to turn his 09 season around and earn his spot. His up and down play cost him the second baseman job this year and he will have to work hard to earn a spot on the bench.
J.J. Hardy SS (.247 AVG, 9 HR, 50 RBI w/MIL): Hardy was another player with a tough 09, and now the has changed addresses he looks to bounce back with no pressure on him. Before 09 he was averaging 25 home runs and 77 runs batted in and the Twins are hoping he can refind that all star form from the bottom of the order.
Brendan Harris 2B/SS/3B (.261 AVG, 6 HR, 27 RBI): After two seasons of filling the role of utility player, Harris is expected to do the same in 2010. He will platoon with Nick Punto for the third baseman role that might be eventually taken up by prospect Danny Valencia. Harris has shown he can hit better than Punto, but Ron Gardenhire has given Punto the nod because of his defense. If Harris can do great things offensively he would get the nod over Punto.
Orlando Hudson 2B (.283 AVG, 9 HR, 62 RBI w/LAD): The Twins turned some heads with the signing of Orlando Hudson. They filled a hole at second base and a hole in the two spot in their order left vacated by Orlando Cabrera. Hudson is a career .282 hitter and has a .348 lifetime OBP. He also has four gold gloves which fits the Twins style of play. The Twins made a smart move signing Hudson and solidifies a spectacular lineup.
Justin Morneau 1B (.274 AVG, 30 HR, 100 RBI): In the past three seasons the Twins have seen Morneau struggle or get injured in the second half. This season Morneau is not going pedal to the medal in spring training to stay rested for the season, and rightfully so because I dont think Michael Cuddyer can fill his shoes every year. For the Twins to make that deep postseason run they will need Morneau on the field, healthy, and rested or else the lineup starts to get a bit shallow.
Nick Punto 2B/SS/3B (.228 AVG, 1 HR, 38 RBI): Nick Punto had his choice of where he got to play in 2009. With holes all around the infield Punto played in almost 30 more games from 2008. But Punto's problem was his average dropped from .284 to .228. In 2010 he will be competing for the third base job with Brendan Harris and prospect Danny Valencia. For him to see good playing time he will have to raise his average next to his gold glove caliber defense. Punto usually gets the nod over Harris due to his stellar defense and with the solid lineup the Twins have 2010 should be no different.
Jim Thome 1B/DH (.249 AVG, 23 HR, 77 RBI w/CHW & LAD): Jim Thome fell into the Twins lap as a bargain deal this offseason. For a one year $1.5 million deal, the Twins got a significant bat off their bench and he can fill in at DH on days when Jason Kubel either needs a rest or plays in the outfield. He bats lefthanded and with the short porch in right field at Target Field look for Thome to put up good numbers coming off the bench for the Twins in 2010.
Matt Tolbert 2B/SS/3B (.232 AVG, 2 HR, 19 RBI): Matt Tolbert was a mid season call up for the Twins again in 2009. As the Twins made their stretch run, Tolbert was the main third baseman. He was not hitting all that well but his defense and hustle prompted Ron Gardenhire to put him in the lineup every day. Tolbert is not a lock to make the team out of camp but he could if theres an injury to a infielder or someone like Alexi Casilla has a terrible camp Tolbert could make the cut.
Danny Valencia 3B (.285 AVG, 14 HR, 70 RBI @ AA-New Britain & AAA-Rochester): Possibly by mid season Valencia could be the Twins starting third baseman. In just two seasons he has advanced all the way to AAA and if the Twins third baseman problems continue, his run will continue to the major leagues. Valencia has put up good offensive numbers in the minors but his defense still needs some work. Some in the Twins organization have said that he still needs time in the minors, so it will be interesting to see how the Twins use him in 2010.
J.J. Hardy SS (.247 AVG, 9 HR, 50 RBI w/MIL): Hardy was another player with a tough 09, and now the has changed addresses he looks to bounce back with no pressure on him. Before 09 he was averaging 25 home runs and 77 runs batted in and the Twins are hoping he can refind that all star form from the bottom of the order.
Brendan Harris 2B/SS/3B (.261 AVG, 6 HR, 27 RBI): After two seasons of filling the role of utility player, Harris is expected to do the same in 2010. He will platoon with Nick Punto for the third baseman role that might be eventually taken up by prospect Danny Valencia. Harris has shown he can hit better than Punto, but Ron Gardenhire has given Punto the nod because of his defense. If Harris can do great things offensively he would get the nod over Punto.
Orlando Hudson 2B (.283 AVG, 9 HR, 62 RBI w/LAD): The Twins turned some heads with the signing of Orlando Hudson. They filled a hole at second base and a hole in the two spot in their order left vacated by Orlando Cabrera. Hudson is a career .282 hitter and has a .348 lifetime OBP. He also has four gold gloves which fits the Twins style of play. The Twins made a smart move signing Hudson and solidifies a spectacular lineup.
Justin Morneau 1B (.274 AVG, 30 HR, 100 RBI): In the past three seasons the Twins have seen Morneau struggle or get injured in the second half. This season Morneau is not going pedal to the medal in spring training to stay rested for the season, and rightfully so because I dont think Michael Cuddyer can fill his shoes every year. For the Twins to make that deep postseason run they will need Morneau on the field, healthy, and rested or else the lineup starts to get a bit shallow.
Nick Punto 2B/SS/3B (.228 AVG, 1 HR, 38 RBI): Nick Punto had his choice of where he got to play in 2009. With holes all around the infield Punto played in almost 30 more games from 2008. But Punto's problem was his average dropped from .284 to .228. In 2010 he will be competing for the third base job with Brendan Harris and prospect Danny Valencia. For him to see good playing time he will have to raise his average next to his gold glove caliber defense. Punto usually gets the nod over Harris due to his stellar defense and with the solid lineup the Twins have 2010 should be no different.
Jim Thome 1B/DH (.249 AVG, 23 HR, 77 RBI w/CHW & LAD): Jim Thome fell into the Twins lap as a bargain deal this offseason. For a one year $1.5 million deal, the Twins got a significant bat off their bench and he can fill in at DH on days when Jason Kubel either needs a rest or plays in the outfield. He bats lefthanded and with the short porch in right field at Target Field look for Thome to put up good numbers coming off the bench for the Twins in 2010.
Matt Tolbert 2B/SS/3B (.232 AVG, 2 HR, 19 RBI): Matt Tolbert was a mid season call up for the Twins again in 2009. As the Twins made their stretch run, Tolbert was the main third baseman. He was not hitting all that well but his defense and hustle prompted Ron Gardenhire to put him in the lineup every day. Tolbert is not a lock to make the team out of camp but he could if theres an injury to a infielder or someone like Alexi Casilla has a terrible camp Tolbert could make the cut.
Danny Valencia 3B (.285 AVG, 14 HR, 70 RBI @ AA-New Britain & AAA-Rochester): Possibly by mid season Valencia could be the Twins starting third baseman. In just two seasons he has advanced all the way to AAA and if the Twins third baseman problems continue, his run will continue to the major leagues. Valencia has put up good offensive numbers in the minors but his defense still needs some work. Some in the Twins organization have said that he still needs time in the minors, so it will be interesting to see how the Twins use him in 2010.
OUTFIELDERS
Michael Cuddyer RF (.276 AVG, 32 HR, 94 RBI): Cuddyer's 09 season was defined in September filling in for the injured Justin Morneau when Cuddy hit .279 with 10 home runs and 29 runs batted in. Now that Morneau's back, Cuddyer will take his place in right field and will most likely bat sixth in the Twins lineup. With little depth in the Twins outfield Cuddyer will need to stay healthy or the Twins might be forced to make a in season trade to add another outfielder. Cuddyer is a very underrated outfielder who had lead MLB in outfield assists for two years and he should do just fine moving into Target Field.
Jason Kubel LF/DH (.300 AVG, 28 HR, 103 RBI): Kubel had a break out season in 2009. He finally brings power to the DH, which hasnt seen a decent hitter since the likes of Paul Molitor. Kubel will bat fifth behind Mauer and Morneau and should bring just as much punch as they do. If Kubel keeps progressing like the way he has been the last four years, he could reach the 30 home run plateau. Kubel will be mostly DH, but he will have an occasional day in one of the corner outfield spots. We should be seeing another impressive season from Kubel in 2010.
Denard Span CF (.311 AVG, 8 HR, 68 RBI): If there was one player that went under the radar in 2009 for the Twins, it was Denard Span. Hitting from the leadoff position, Span hit .311, had a .392 on base percentage, and lead the Twins in runs with 97. Him getting on base in front of the big bats in the order along with his baserunning agression was a pain for opposing pitchers. Now that Carlos Gomez has departed, Span will be the everyday centerfielder as he was destined to when the Twins drafted him. In just two seasons we have seen Span's average jump from .294 to .311 and it should increase in 2010 with the addition of Orlando Hudson to hit behind him. Maybe look for Span to be a All Star Game darkhorse player.
Delmon Young LF (.284 AVG, 12 HR, 60 RBI): In his first two seasons with the Twins, the Twins have seen Delmon Young struggle in the first half then go on a tear in the second half. So in preperation for the 2010 season, Delmon has dropped nearly 30 pounds to hopefully have more success over a whole season. Hopefully that carries over to his defense as well as he takes the left fielders job on a everyday basis. If Young can prove he can be a consistent hitter throughout the season that would just be an added bonus for the Twins. But if he falters again, the Twins might look into moving Young for a more consistent outfielder.
Jason Kubel LF/DH (.300 AVG, 28 HR, 103 RBI): Kubel had a break out season in 2009. He finally brings power to the DH, which hasnt seen a decent hitter since the likes of Paul Molitor. Kubel will bat fifth behind Mauer and Morneau and should bring just as much punch as they do. If Kubel keeps progressing like the way he has been the last four years, he could reach the 30 home run plateau. Kubel will be mostly DH, but he will have an occasional day in one of the corner outfield spots. We should be seeing another impressive season from Kubel in 2010.
Denard Span CF (.311 AVG, 8 HR, 68 RBI): If there was one player that went under the radar in 2009 for the Twins, it was Denard Span. Hitting from the leadoff position, Span hit .311, had a .392 on base percentage, and lead the Twins in runs with 97. Him getting on base in front of the big bats in the order along with his baserunning agression was a pain for opposing pitchers. Now that Carlos Gomez has departed, Span will be the everyday centerfielder as he was destined to when the Twins drafted him. In just two seasons we have seen Span's average jump from .294 to .311 and it should increase in 2010 with the addition of Orlando Hudson to hit behind him. Maybe look for Span to be a All Star Game darkhorse player.
Delmon Young LF (.284 AVG, 12 HR, 60 RBI): In his first two seasons with the Twins, the Twins have seen Delmon Young struggle in the first half then go on a tear in the second half. So in preperation for the 2010 season, Delmon has dropped nearly 30 pounds to hopefully have more success over a whole season. Hopefully that carries over to his defense as well as he takes the left fielders job on a everyday basis. If Young can prove he can be a consistent hitter throughout the season that would just be an added bonus for the Twins. But if he falters again, the Twins might look into moving Young for a more consistent outfielder.
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Twins Spring Blog: First Game TODAY!!!
Today kicks off the Twins Grapefruit league schedule as the take on the Boston Red Sox tonight at Hammond Stadium in Fort Myers, Florida. Even though these are only exhibition games and count for nothing it is still nice to see the boys of summer back in action. Here are some of my notes so far during spring.
- Boof Bonser had exploratory surgery today on his right shoulder that has been bothering him. They found a torn labrum and a torn rotator cuff and he will now be done for the season. It opens up a long relief role on the team now. I personally was excited to see Boof in this role as he did well at it for a half of season last year.
- Joe Mauer took swings off a tee yesterday for the first time all seaosn after having surgery to remove a kidney obstruction. He said he felt no pain the next day and that he will slowly work his way back and be ready for opening day. Just as long Mauer is there on opening day I have no complaints.
- 12 Twins players were on the final rosters for the World Baseball Classic which begins for March. I have no complaints that they play as long as none of them get injured in this or their will be hell to pay. I still am against this thing during spring training, but i guess i have to live with it.
- Joe Crede will make his spring debut on friday, as he is catching up on conditoning for signing late. I am excited for him to have signed with us and if he stays healthy he will be that right handed power bat we have needed at third base.
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