Brief (3/2) Recap and Twins Promotional Schedule

The Twins traveled to the Pittsburgh Pirates facility (McKechnie Field) today to where the Twins won a nice 4-2 ballgame.  

Twins pitcher Brian Duensing made his first spring outing and had an impressive 2 innings, allowing just two hits and striking out two.  Speculations have all been but confirmed by Twins Skipper Ron Gardenhire about Duensing being in the starting rotation this spring.  However, reports have been made that subtle hints have been given by Gardy that Duensing will be in the starting rotation this April.  In Duensing’s first outing, he proved why this is looking like a strong possibility.

Danny Valencia was back in the line-up today and continued to swing the bat well, going 2-for-3 with 2 doubles and 2 RBIs.  Valencia has started the ST going 4 for 7.  It is only spring, but it is nice to see that Valencia is continuing to see the ball well through the first few games.

Luke Hughes hit his second homerun for this early spring.  It will be nice to see this continue as Hughes has gone 4-for-8 in his first 3 games this spring.

Tsuyoshi Nishioka did not play today, as it was another road game.   However, it appears that Nishi will be traveling with the team to Sarasota, FL where the Twins will battle the Orioles.  Nishi is expected to get the start at shortstop for the first time this spring, and Alexi Casillia will get the nod at second.

SIDE NOTE: I saw my first Nishi Twins t-shirt jersey yesterday.  Hopefully soon we can buy an authentic jersey!

Twins Promotional Schedule

If you have not been to the Minnesota Twins website in a few days, the Twins have posted their promotions schedule: Click Here  

 

You will see your typical WeFest straw hat, kids bat day, youth jersey, DQ Cap Night #1/#2, and magnet calendar giveaways.  

The items I may be looking at this year, Matt Capps fishing Lure, Bert Blyleven Day (baseball),  Kent Hrbek/Ron Gant Bobblehead (’91 World Series pick-off-flub-out moment).

Are there any drivers out here?  Well, you can have your very own Pepsi Drivers Cap!  But hang on; if you happen to be a woman, you are out of luck.  Not sure why the Twins are doing such a venture?  The only thing I can think of is that last year they had the women only promotion for the Twins earrings on Mother’s Day.  Sorry women drivers, this cap is only for a man…

Justin Mor-yes?

I touched briefly about Morneau in my last post and thank you Jared for your insight and personal story about the concussion discussion.   It appears that Morneau had the appointment I alluded to in Pittsburgh and the same result of no clearance has been issued.  The Twins continue to remain optimistic about his return.   

However, after this latest appointment, mark me in the category as moving from optimistic to the pessimistic camp.  I am likely not going to blog much more about the controversy about Morneau’s condition or the Twins lack of information sharing, as you can all find that material elsewhere.  To be honest, I really do not see this as a story until his clearance is provided or until the Twins provide us a timeline.

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This is all I have for now.  I think my spouse (Renee) is starting to think that she has lost me for more than just during a Twins baseball game…