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Twins ready to put 2016 behind them
Numerous articles reporting that many of the Twins are showing up for Spring Training in the best shape of their lives and feeling more comfortable than last year. Their injuries are feeling 100% better and they will be ready to go from day one. They are looking forward to contributing to the team’s success this year.
Molly’s Polly Folly
Derek Wetmore at 1500 ESPN has a story about Paul Molitor reflecting on whether they screwed up having Jorge Polanco playing second base in the minors then playing exclusively at shortstop in the majors. I can only assume they had other plans for shortstop at the time.
Smells Like Ervin Santana
Mike Berardino of the Pioneer Press says No-han is slated to be this spring’s Home Opener starting pitcher and because of the schedule, would never have to leave Fort Myers, although he should check out some of Florida’s many scenic sites and byways. A few players comment on the new intentional walk rule - they’re okay with it. Perkins threw some fastballs, he’s “happy” with how he feels.
Hometown Boy Does Good
UPI has a story about the Twins signing “hometown” right-handed pitcher, Seth Rosin to a minor league contract. Seth was actually born in Fargo, ND, but he went to school at the U of M so I guess that counts for something.
Manny at Shortstop?
Patrick Reusse over at the Strib thinks the Twins should consider Mann... Oops, I guess it was Danny Santana at shortstop. Reusse thinks Danny could be the Twins’ next “reliable utility infielder” like Nick Punto. He also tries his hand at shrug interpretation.
Manny at Shortstop?
Not according to Mike Berardino at the PPress, but Manny Ramirez, who still plays baseball in Japan, has taken Kennys Vargas under his wing and gave him a week of batting lessons in the Dominican Republic.
Manny at Shortstop?
Anthony Castrovince at MLB .com says that Manny Machado is hoping to return to playing shortstop in the WBC and full-time when the season starts too. Manny had to give up playing short when former Twin J.J. Hardy was playing there. So there’s the Twins connection so this wasn’t weird at all.