I have realized that blogging takes a lot of work and there are several stories during ST, but non really seem to matter or interest me :) And by the time I start writing, most of my current readership have probably already seen the story. I guess my real intent here is to try and consolidate the stories and give a brief glimpse of what is happening, so that if you find something of interest, you can go elsewhere to get the story. It is also difficult to have good information when much of what I am getting is coming from other sources, as I am not able to be in Fort Myers.
Well, as you have likely seen on other sites, Morneau appeared in his first action since injuring himself on July 7th in Toronto. Morneau played 4 innings in a "B" squad game this morning, going 1 for 2, with a bases clearing double. Morneau faced Brad Lincoln, who is a 2006 first round draft for the Pirates, who started 9 games last year, going 1-4 with a 6.66ERA. Not a shining star by any means, but definitely not batting practice either.
Going into this game, I was concerned that Morneau would have to play very cautiously, but he did stretch out a double, and did slide into home (a play at the plate was not made).
Looks like Morneau may see action with the regular squad on Thursday, and it is against no other than...the Blue Jays.
The Twins regular was in action against the Pirates and lost their second game in a row, after their five game winning streak. The Twins (6-4) and Pirates (6-6) were knotted up 2-2 going into the 9th, however, Jeff Manship (0-1; 9.00ERA) gave up 3 runs on 4 hits to record the loss.
The bright points of today's match-up saw Carl Pavano to pitch shut-out baseball, going 4 scoreless innings. Pavano gave up 2 hits and 1 walk, recording 2 strikeouts. It is really nice to see Pavano pitching well and seeing strong defense play behind him.
Back-up catcher Daniel Rams (#79) went 2-for-2 with 2 doubles, seeing action in his 5th game this spring. Rams only saw action in 4 games last spring going (1-for-7).
Relief pitcher Kyle Waldrop (0.00 ERA) saw his 3rd relief appearance, entering the game in the 8th inning. Waldrop continued to throw strikes, striking out 1 and facing the minimum.
The Twins were 1 for 12 with Runners In Scoring Position, something the Twins have been known for clutch hitting in recent years, so hopefully this number is left behind in Spring Training.
Pat Neshek entered the 7th inning (4th game this spring) giving up a solo home run to Lyle Overbay, along with giving up a walk and recording strikeout.
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Have you checked out the recent Minnesota Twins Twitpic?
Such a beautiful sight! If you look closely, you can almost see them starting to tap the kegs in the Twins Pub.
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Nishi has probably seen his last action at short and will likely be positioned at 2nd base. It is still early, but it appears that he will be seeing action only at second.
Went to Crossroads Mall in St. Cloud tonight. Scheels and another store in the mall now have the Nishioka t-shirts, however, no jersey sighting yet. I spoke to a manager and they are expecting them to be in shortly, as they are getting shipments in daily. I am likely going to the Twins Majestic store at Target Field this weekend to see what they have available.
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Anyone going down to Spring Training and will be there on March 19? Well, this is the date that the MLB Network will be filming the Twins for the MLB Network's "30 in 30." The Twins will be featured at 9pm CT on March 20. If you do not have the MLB Network, segments of the show will be posted online on March 21. Once the video has been posted, I will link it here.
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