Joe Mauer is on the DL

Joe Mauer has landed on the DL. Just not the way he has landed before. Apparently, he has battled a case of the flu that landed him in the hospital. Then it was reported that he has "bilateral leg weakness", which I have never heard of but seems like fatigue. Like they said on PTI, it's better than trilateral leg weakness. Hopefully Joe can figure out what's draining him right now and can return to his MVP form. He was placed on the 15 day DL so he shouldn't be out for too long.

Tampa Bay Rays Take 3 of 4 From the Minnesota Twins

It wasn't the way the Minnesota Twins had hoped it would go, but at least we finished on a strong note. The Minnesota Twins let 2 victories slip out of their hands and Johnny Damon made them pay. Matt Capps and Joe Nathan both struggled as Carl Pavano and Scott Baker threw gems. Capps has now replaced Nathan for the time being as the Minnesota Twins closer. So, were 15 games in and sitting at 5-10. We have some work to do, but at least we're not the Boston Red Sox.

Next up is a 4 game series at the Baltimore Orioles. Starts tonight. Let's go Twins.

Minnesota Twins Bats Must Come Alive

I am going to take the 3-6 start by the Minnesota Twins with a grain of salt. Meaning, it is a long season and I'm not going to fuss about a 9 game start, just as I wouldn't if we were 9-0. However, it has been the way we've lost that is a little alarming. We simply aren't knocking the ball around like a lot of us believed we would. Our batting average is .214, good for 29th in the league. Our runs and on-base percentage is 29th in the league as well. Hopefully with hosting the Kansas City Royals on Tuesday and Wednesday can change our fortune.

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Week One Notes

One week into the season. After one game has been rained out, our record is 2-4. We played at Toronto and New York. Thankfully we have gotten those out of the way now. Those are not two easy places to play, in fact they have been the hardest for the Twins to play at in recent memory. We will now play against Oakland, Kansas City, Tampa Bay, and Baltimore in consecutive series. These are more managable, as I don't think these teams have the firepower that Toronto and New York have. Denard Span has gotten off to a solid start in the leadoff spot and Joe Nathan has converted both of his save opportunities, really glad to see that.

Tsuyoshi Nishioka Breaks His Leg

Tsuyoshi Nishioka broke his leg yesterday while playing against the New York Yankees. As if we didn't already have a curse against them and bad luck, our second basemen now has a broken leg. There is no time table yet, but one can think it will be at least 6 weeks, maybe longer. His leg broke on a play that Nick Swisher was attempting to disrupt a double play. It really wasn't anything dirty, just a play that clipped Nishi's leg and landed on it awkwardly. Here's to hoping for a fast recovery. In the meantime, welcome Luke Hughes.

Target Field Opening Day

The Minnesota Twins are hosting the Oakland Athletics this weekend. It is opening weekend at Target Field, the spanking new ballpark in Downtown Minneapolis. The stadium was packed every game last year and was rated #1 by ESPN's best stadium atmosphere. The Minnesota Twins will be competing all season long for a division title and this weekend will start the journey at Target Field.

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2011 Minnesota Twins Roster

Here is the breakdown of the 2011 Minnesota Twins Roster:

Starting Pitchers:

Carl Pavano

Francisco Liriano

Brian Duensing

Nick Blackburn

Scott Baker

Relievers:

Joe Nathan

Matt Capps

Jose Mijares

Kevin Slowey

Dusty Hughes

Glen Perkins

Jeff Manship

Infielders:

Danny Valencia

Alexi Casilla

Tsuyoshi Nishioka

Justin Morneau

Joe Mauer

Drew Butera

Matt Tolbert

Outfielders:

Delmon Young

Denard Span

Michael Cuddyer

Jason Kubel

Jason Repko

DH:

Jim Thome

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Minnesota Twins Season Starts on Friday, April 1st

The Minnesota Twins will begin the 2011 MLB Season in Toronto, Canada for a 3 game series with the Blue Jays. The MLB Season always comes fast, since it has the shortest offseason and this year is no different. The Blue Jays had some of the most powerful bats last season but played in the always tough American League East with the New York Yankees, Tampa Bay Rays, and Boston Red Sox. The Minnesota Twins will play their first home game at Target Field on Friday, April 8th.

Can Luke Hughes Earn a Spot?

I know it's spring training but it's hard not to notice what Luke Hughes has been doing for the Minnesota Twins. The Australian native has belted 4 home runs so far in the Grapefruit League. He is competing with Matt Tolbert for the first utility spot as an infielder. Once a long shot to make the team, the 26 year old might be finding his way on the Opening Day Roster. Trevor Plouffe is also in the mix for the utlitity infielder spot.

Pat Neshek Claimed off Waivers by San Diego Padres

Pat Neshek has been claimed off waivers by the San Diego Padres. Neshek has been with the Minnesota Twins since 2006 and is a graduate of Park Center Senior High School in Brooklyn Park, Minnesota. Neshek had a breakout 2007 season in which he was chosen to be 1 of the 5 players in the final vote for the All-Star game. He was one of the best relievers in all of baseball in the 2007 season. Unfortunately, Neshek was forced to get Tommy John Surgery in 2009 and missed the entire season. He has an unorthodox delivery but it's one that can also fool hitters. Best of luck Pat Neshek and good luck in San Diego!

Opening Day Approaching for Minnesota Twins

The Minnesota Twins opening day for the 2011 MLB season is quickly approaching! The season kicks off on April 1, 2011 against the Toronto Blue Jays. The 3 game series will test the Minnesota Twins after Toronto proved to be one of the best hitting teams in all of baseball. The Minnesota Twins will open up Target Field on Friday, April 8th against the Oakland Athletics. I can't wait for opening day!

Will Scott Baker or Kevin Slowey Be Traded?

It was reported last week that Scott Baker or Kevin Slowey may be moved to another team in a trade. The Twins currently have 6 guys for 5 spots as well as two nice pitching prospects in Kyle Gibson and Alex Wimmers. It was speculated that the Toronto Blue Jays are interested in Kevin Slowey, so that's something to pay attention to. The rotation currently features Carl Pavano, Brian Duensing, Francisco Liriano, and Nick Blackburn. I have always liked having an extra starter in case someone gets injured, but I guess it's up to the front office if they believe the salary is worth holding on to. It's something to pay attention to.

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!

Minnesota Twins Ticket Base Reaches 25,000

Press Release from the official Minnesota Twins website from March 2nd:

"The Minnesota Twins today announced they have reached their season ticket capacity of 25,000 full season equivalents. While the Twins are no longer accepting new season ticket sales for the 2011 season, fans can join the "On Deck Circle" at www.twinsbaseball.com to establish season ticket priority for the 2012 season and beyond."

It is an all-time high for the Minnesota Twins organization, who had 24,500 season ticket holders last season. This high number displays the popularity that this team has in the Twin Cities as well as how well-received Target Field is. Can't wait until the 2011-2012 starts!

Minnesota Twins Win First Spring Training Game Against Boston Red Sox

The Minnesota Twins officially began the spring training schedule. They took on the Boston Red Sox last night in Fort Myers, Florida. Do these games really mean anything? No, to be honest. However, I'm just itching for baseball season and the schedule started so it got me a little excited. Only a few starters played in the game and a lot of the guys in the lineup probably wouldn't get recognized by a casual Minnesota Twins fan. Really wish I was in Fort Myers, Florida right now.