Walters Holds White Sox, Morneau Boosts Twins

The Minnesota Twins bullpen hasn't had a whole lot to smile about this year. Then came P.J. Walters.

Walters threw his first career complete game as the Twins routed the Chicago White Sox 9-2 on Tuesday.

Five relievers combined to throw 6 1/3 innings in the Twins 16-4 loss to the Brewers. Five were used for an inning apiece in Saturday's 11 inning win.

Walters (2-1) cruised in his third start of the season to snap Chicago's four-game winning streak. He gave up a solo homer to Gordon Beckham with one out in the first inning. Walters allowed little else. He struck out eight and allowed just five hits and two runs.

Minnesota's offense came to life early (coming to life at all this season has been a rarity). The Twins sent nine men to the plate in the second inning against Gavin Floyd. Alexi Casilla's two-run double put the Twins on the board. Jamey Carroll and Denard Span followed with run-scoring singles.

Justin Morneau hit a three-run homer for the Twins.

Cross your fingers for another win tonight. I hate the White Sox ;)

Diamond takes the mound.

M&M Boys Own the Night

Mauer started the rally last night, or in the words of Ryan Doumit, woke the sleeping dragon. Mauer hit his first homer at Target Field since August 18, 2010 when he yanked a 0-1 cut fastball 260 feet down the right field line.

Then Morneau put the Twins up 8-7 with a two-run shot into the upper deck in right center.

Before the M&M Boys came up clutch... they were opposite of clutch. The crowd of over 30,000 was full of grumbles when the boys failed twice to bring in runners from third when the Twins were down by 5.

The home runs hit by the M&M Boys were the kinds of home runs the Twins never got last season. The Twins hit the third fewest HRs in the majors with only 103.

The Twins are two games under .500 and have a team earned-run average of 5.65. However, the lineup boasted by the hometown team should prove to be deep and powerful.

Here's to hoping the Twins pull out a win over Texas today... then we will really have something to write home about.

Twins on Winning Streak

Hey! What do you know? The Twins are on their first win streak - 2 w's in a row at Target Field!

If you watched the game last night, you probably almost had a heart attack given the thrills of the game. The Twins started out with four uninspiring losses, but have come alive the past two days at Target Field.

The Twins took a three-game series from the LA Angels (2-for-3) this past week. Recall that the Angels were one of the most active teams in the off season, picking up highly desired free agents.

I love a nail biter when we come out on top. However, there is something to be said about a straight-up win. Twins fans might not be able to take this kind of fun for 156 more games...

Let's pound Texas... and let Twins fans sigh with relief.

Morneau Hits 2 Homers for Twins

Morneau has had a slumping spring training, but his first two spring training home runs of the year left him feeling good.

He entered the game Saturday 4 for 37 with two RBIs, but hit a two-run homer in the first and a three-run drive in the fourth. Both HRs were off AL Rookie of the Year Jeremy Hellickson.

Minnesota had 14 runs and 14 hits through the first four innings on their way to a 19-4 win over Tampa Bay.

Luke Hughes went 5-for-5 with a home run and two doubles.

Morneau has been anchoring the designated hitter spot recently, but hopes to return to 1B soon.

Morneau Requires Medical Clearance to Play

Per the MLB's new rules regarding concussions set in place last season, Justin Morneau will need the formal approval of Dr. Gary Green, MLB's medical director, before he can return to the field.

Terry Ryan confirmed this, but also said that Morneau is feeling fine and the club doesn't expect any clearance issues. Morneau is one of four players not in camp prior to Thursday's official report date.

Morneau played only 69 games last season after battling concussion symptoms, while also undergoing surgeries on his neck, left wrist, left knee and right foot.

I sure hope Morneau can get back to form and stay in that form. If not, I could seriously see him retiring.

Justin Morneau and the Twins' Unanswered Questions

In two weeks, catchers and pitchers report to Spring Training for the Minnesota Twins.

This time two years ago, we were talking about Jim Thome coming to Minnesota, Orlando Hudson was about to be signed and the state was in a panic about Joe Mauer's contract.

Last year we were out of payroll space and speculating about potential contract extensions.

This year, well this year has been about the most uneventful off season in at least three years. Is that a bad thing?

Justin Morneau. We know he will play this year (when I say 'know' I am using a loose definition consistent with crossing my fingers and hoping), but we don't know where. The Twins will try to play him at first base to see if he can handle it and, if he can, how often he can handle the 3 spot. Morneau will be the fuse for a chain events should he be able/not be able to man first. The futures and positions of Joe Mauer, Ryan Doumit, Trevor Plouffe and Luke Hughes will be determined by Morneau's abilities. Sounds like a lot of pressure for the Canadian.

If Morneau can't play first base at all, the question will then become 'how often can Morny DH?'

It would be ideal if Morneau could play the position we contracted him for, because that would obviously mean he is healthy and that his concussion symptoms are manageable. It shouldn't take long to see what Morneau we will be getting this year, but the anticipation is killing me!

Tsuyoshi Nishioka. Alexi Casilla is technically not under contract for 2012 yet, but he will be at some point. When that contract is executed, Casilla will likely be the starting second baseman. Jamey Carroll is going to be the everyday shortstop. That means the Twins will be paying our foreign friend $3 million no matter what the Twins decide to do with him. I would like to see how much Nishi has improved. After all, he came over to the Twins in a highly publicized manner, broke his leg and then struggled the remainder of the season. We need to give him a shot and see if he has settled into the league in a positive and effective manner yet.

While the Twins have many other questions to answer, like who will round out the bullpen, who will be an unlikely contributor and will the Twins be sellers or buyers come July, it seems as though most of these questions will have answers in due time. Stay tuned.

More DH Talk for Morneau

Justin Morneau. Player of four All-Star games, winner of two Silver Slugger awards and recipient of AL MVP, all while manning first base.

The Minnesota Twins are now considering moving him to full-time DH.

Morneau, as we all know too well, has suffered from countless injuries in the past few years. Most recently, Morneau ended his season in late August when he suffered from concussion-like symptoms.

Last year Morneau his only .227 with four home runs and 16 doubles. His last game appearance was August 28.

My Target Field Experience: Game 1

If you recall (and if you don't, its below...) my last post was a foreshadow of my Game 1 adventure at Target Field. Last night was the actual adventure.

The night got off to a rough start as I walked in and they didn't have my name on the list or have a nametag for me. I'm willing to help a guy out, but come on. First you don't have season tickets for me, then you don't have my nametag? Lucky my Type A personality was ready for anything, resulting in me bringing my confirmation email and my Twins Account #.

If that hadn't worked, then my hostile personality would've kicked in and had a meltdown. Fortunately for the gentleman at the table, the confirmation email did the trick.

We (Mara and I) got to the Legends Club just in time to see Dave St. Peter get grilled about the growing payroll and the receding wins. His answers were very political, which is absolutely what I expected, but still interesting to hear. It was kind of like Occupy Target Field - fans giving their opinions on The Man. There were other interesting questions, but one that particularly peeked my interest was a question about 2nd base.

St. Peter THREW Nishioka under the bus. Hardcore. It was brutal. He basically said Nishi would have to earn his spot on the team during Spring Training (duh), but that they fully expect Casilla to be playing at 2nd and will be looking for a fresh player at shortstop. So... basically this guy is willing to go out and break a leg for the Twins (literally) and we won't even grant him support as he attempts to transition. Sure, it was a rough year for him and for everyone. He played terrible and couldn't make simple catches or execute easy throws, but does that mean we give up on him?

If so, then we should have given up on the whole team a while ago.

Dave also talked a bit about moving Justin Morneau off the field and solely into a DH role. Sucks.

Anyway, back to my experience. It was great. The night really turned around after the nametag incident. There was a free ballpark food buffet and beers were only $4.50. The view was amazing with the centerfield screen lit up with Game 1. It was like an oasis in the blacked-out stadium with the Minneapolis skyline to the right. How poetic.

Towards the end of the night we went on a tour of Target Field. Let me tell you... that Champions Club is no joke. It is pretty sweet. When we were just outside the Club, our tour guide told us a story about how when the Yankees are in town, Yankee fans will fly in and purchase Champ Club tickets because they think they are such a deal. Kind of irked me because the tickets are expensive, it doesn't matter what some Yank thinks.

As the tour progressed, we got to see the underground batting cages as well as the Twins clubhouse. Interesting fact: Mauer and Morneau have the two biggest 'cubbies' (or lockers) in the whole place. They are easily twice the size of everyone else's. What is that about? The less you play the more you get? Sounds like something Michelle Bachmann would say.

Anyway, the whole experience was a lot of fun. My only disappointment of the night hinged on a bet that I made with Mara regarding the outcome of the game and the series as a whole. I put $50 on the Rangers winning it all and a beer on the Rangers winning Game 1. At least I still have the $50 to look forward to.

If I remember, I'll post some pictures of the tour and such at a later date. We weren't supposed to take pictures of the clubhouse, but I was sneaky and managed a blurry one. NBD.

Minnesota Twins Have Surgeries

The Minnesota Twins sure know how to throw a postseason party... consider their theme: "Feel the Pain Friday."

Justin Morneau, Ben Revere and Nick Blackburn all went under the knife to clean up some of their injuries bothering them throughout the season. Mind you, these are three of many, many injuries that contributed to the Twins' almost-100-loss season. All three are expected to be ready for the start of spring training in February.

Yea... I've heard that before. Those boys better be ready considering the recent email I received from the Twins (see previous post). No matter how masochistic Twins fans are, you really shouldn't try to beat our heads into the wall. I guess they've got me right where they want me... My heart will never leave Twins Territory!

Anyway, here is to a happy recovery

Minnesota Twins Injury Update

Justin Morneau - worked out this morning, will only DH for the rest of the season to avoid diving.

Denard Span - Hoping to be back soon and was sprinting this morning.

Glen Perkins - Played catch this morning but isn't available to pitch yet.

Francisco Liriano - Played catch today but will likely be shut down for the rest of the year.

Justin Verlander Just Kills the Twins

Poor Twins. The Twins had their best chance in the first inning when they had two runners on with one out. Verlander got out of the jam and looked to be in some trouble when he had already thrown 60 pitches through three innings Clearly, that wasn't the case. He buckled down and dominated the Twins lineup and they were toast from there. Manager Ron Gardenhire seemed to agree with my analysis.

"You saw us get dominated by Verlander over there," Twins manager Ron Gardenhire said. "He was pretty filthy."

Verlander has two wins in two starts against the Twins this season with a 1.15 ERA.

Justin Morneau Set to Return Monday Night

Justin Morneau is hitting the stuffing out of the ball as of lately. Morneau has been rehabbing from his injured neck in Triple A and has been on a tear. He is 8-14 in his last three games and is getting really excited about coming back and playing for the Twins. He is expected to play Monday night against Detroit. Morneau wishes he was getting back sooner:

"Everybody who's come up here not ready hasn't helped us, so we're going to try to make sure he's ready," Gardenhire said. "I know he's champing at the bit. He texted [Bill Smith] that he's going to be here [Wednesday] to face Lester. Billy told him see you in Detroit [next Monday]."

I love it! I can't wait for Morneau to get back in the lineup. I know the Twins are pretty much out of it this year, but it will be good if Morneau can get back in the groove of baseball so that he is ready for next season. He hasn't played consistently for so long that it would be nice if he could just get his legs under him.

All Star Weekend Thoughts: How to Change it and How Cuddyer Did

Alright so the first part of this is going to be how to change the All Star game. Second part will be about Cuddyer. First lets start with the home run derby. I really hate the home run derby it's really boring. I've got two ways to fix it, either would be great. One way would be to have the reigning Cy Young winner actually pitch to these guys so it's not like batting practice. Another way to fix it, have the captains be forced to pick one pitcher. Pick some interesting people to spice it up. I would love to watch CC Sabathia try to beat out all the Sluggers in a home run derby, I bet he'd have a chance. Or watch little Tim Lincecum try to hit some home runs. I hate when there are just mediocre power hitters that I don't care about. Spice it up, maybe even throw Nick Punto out there for all I care. The Last thing they have to do is trim that damn roster. I was watching it last night and didn't know half the players by the 7th inning. Make the best players play and if you want it to matter, make them play the whole game. There's no reason these guys can't play a whole game, it's baseball, not football.

Cuddyer, I loved seeing you out there, but you are not an all star. Cuddyer was an all star because they had to pick someone to be on the team, and he was the best of the worst. This devalues an All Star appearance. Who cares if Joe Mauer has made 10 all star appearances because everyone makes all star teams in baseball. There were 84 players named to the all star teams this year. Only ten guys can be on the field at once... this is ridiculous.

Michael Cuddyer wasn't too bad out there though. He played a solid first base, and he flew out on the first pitch he saw. Clearly he was a little nervous and I don't blame him. Hopefully Mauer and Morneau are healthy and productive next year so we can watch them in the All Star Game.

Minnesota Twins All Star: Michael Cuddyer

Michael Cuddyer was named to his first All Star team recently. I can honestly say I'm really happy for they guy. He's having a career year. He's leading the team with a .298 batting average, 13 home runs, 93 hits, and a .369 on base percentage. He was clearly the most deserving position player that the Twins had to be named to the All Star team. He's in the midst of his 10th Major League season, all with the Twins, and he has been rock solid the past five seasons, outside of 2008 when he played in only 49 games.

I'm happy for Cuddy. This is going to be a great moment for him and his family and the Twins organization. I love Cuddyer, but I would much rather see Morneau or Mauer out there. Even though they aren't having the best seasons, I like seeing the traditional Twins out there that everyone else knows. Barely anyone even knows who Cuddyer is. I'll have my thoughts on the All Star game in my next blog.

Joe Mauer Takes Grounders at First Base, It's About Time!

Joe Mauer took grounders at first base yesterday and Ron Gardenhire was right next to him the whole time giving the 3 time batting champion advice.

With injuries to Delmon Young and Justin Morneau, there is a big hole at first base. Cuddyer is needed in the outfield because Span and Young are injured, leaving Luke Hughes to play first base. No one is asking Mauer to become a full time first baseman, but with so many injuries on this team, they can't afford to have his bat out of the line up, which is why Gardenhire has suggested that he play some first base so that he can avoid the rigors of catching, while still being able to stay in the line up.

Message to Mauer: The Twins are paying you 180 millions dollars. You are the face of this franchise and this team. If you don't sacrifice for the better of the team, than who will. You're not a great public speaker so lead by example. You need to be tough and show that you'll do whatever it takes to win because this team desperately needs you not to take off days right now with your mysterious injuries. An injured Joe Mauer is better than most substitutions Gardy is going to be able to put out there.

Minnesota Twins Homestand

The Minnesota Twins have the talent - Mauer, Morneau, Thome, Kubel, Cuddyer, Young, Valencia, Span, Nishioka, etc. We know the 7-12 record is not an indication of what they are capable of. A lot of people will say it's the starting pitching or perhaps the new bullpen. Right now, the offense needs to swing the bats better. Let's just say the Twins have more to be desired in the offensive statistics categories and they will need to do more with the bats. The pitching has not gotten a lot of run support and that is part of the issue. We are 30th in runs scored and that stat must improve. Let's get after it on this homestand.

Minnesota Twins Split With Baltimore Orioles

The Minnesota Twins split a 4 game series with the Baltimore Orioles this week at Camden Yards. The Twins took the opener and the closing game, sandwiched in between were two victories by the Birds. So, after 19 games the Twins sit at 7-12. Joe Mauer, Justin Morneau, Delmon Young, and Tsuyoshi Nishioka have been out of the lineup at times, making it a little harder on the manager without his regulars. After an 8 game roadtrip, the Twins will now have a 6 game homestand. They will host the Cleveland Indians for 3 and the red-hot Tampa Bay Rays for 3. The Indians are 13-6 and lead the AL Central. This series is a nice time to gain some ground.

Purchase your Minnesota Twins tickets with Ticket King!

Justin Morneau is Back

Well, it isn't anything groundbreaking but Justin Morneau returned to playing baseball. As in he played in the field, took some at bats, type of way. He hit a bases clearing double, and for Twins fans, that's huge. We just want to see Justin back and be able to play again. He has been out for a long time, longer than any of us ever anticipated. We hope he can recover and get everything back to the way he was last year. He was on an MVP pace last season before he got injured. Keep up the good work Justin!

Ron Gardenhire Wins American League Manager of the Year

Ron Gardenhire is pretty familiar with the American League Manager of the Year. He was a 5-time runner-up until last week when he was named the American League Manager of the Year. Ron Washington of the Texas Rangers finished in 2nd place. Gardenhire led the Minnesota Twins to a 94-68 record and another American League Central Division Title. Even with injuries to Joe Nathan and Justin Morneau, Gardenhire found a way to get the 6th AL Central Title in 9 years. Congratulations to Ron Gardenhire!

Justin Morneau Upset About Target Field

Last week, Minnesota Twins 1st baseman Justin Morneau voiced his concerns and frustrations with Target Field's dimensions. It is a tough ballpark to hit home runs at. Morneau stated “Right-center to left-center is ridiculous." He then went on to state, “You start to develop bad habits as a hitter when you feel like you can only pull the ball to hit it over the fence. You take those habits on the road.’’

The Twins record at home last season was 53-28 in 2010, the best in the American League. The team decided to not change Target Field's dimensions. The Minnesota Twins president, Dave St. Peter, pointed to that fact in defending the decision to retain Target Field’s dimensions. The Twins hit 52 home runs at Target Field and hit 91 on the road.