Thanks to the contributions of several viewers, we have a great collection of photos from Spring Training to celebrate the end of Grape Fruit League play. I had to go through more than 250 pictures to grab the ones I really liked – and that was the “favorites” of the submitters already. From what I have been told, I think it’s entirely possible that nearly 5000 pictures were taken in FL by the folk who sent me photos. I really hope you enjoy the slideshows.
Here’s the Major Leagues!
My only regret seems to come from the fact that my fellow Twins fans don’t seem to have near the appreciation (facination? obsession?) with JJ Hardy that I have – WHERE ARE THE HOTTY PICS?? *sigh*
Here’s the Minor League shots so you have something to look forward to! You might see some of them sooner rather than later.
Special thanks to JimCrikket, Corey Sauer, Patty Roth Liming, and Jan McGuire!
This is totally silly ground to cover in a baseball blog but here goes anyway. I’m not really a baseball souvenier collector – mostly because the last thing I need is more STUFF that just sits there! So my baseball stuff generally can be found in the category of “wearable” or I don’t really have any place for it.Â
But.. Over the years, there have been a few things that I have collected, definitely don’t want to throw away, but don’t have any place to put. So cool things like my ticket stubs to Game 1 of the ’91 World Series and a few other favorite games or special give-aways have been relegated to junk drawers and the back shelf of the closet. That’s just not acceptable.
Well the last 6 months of housing remodel involved many possibilities that coalesced into a plan for a ribbon board. You know, one of those fancy tack boards that you just tuck stuff back behind and such?? Let me say, that’s just about as girly as I get – considering I have never had one in my life, the fact that I thought to make one at all surprises me.
Detour:Â Making anything involving several yards of ribbon and tacks when you are under the supervision (and interruption) of two cats is an adventure.Â
But after several layouts, changes, disturbances and re-layouts, a final product in Twins colors was achieved:
gave up on multi-colored ribbons and went with white with the colored tacks.
THEN I had to dig out all my stuff and start loading it up and put it on the wall.
finally have a place to put those construction helmets and that's my 2009 game 162 scorecard in the middle. Sadly, my game 163 scorecard got left in the metrodome restroom *SHAME*
And finally, this is how it all fits in (the planned open space on the wall even!) and please ignore the fully-loaded desk. I told you I didn’t need any more STUFF.
March is a good month for the Twins calendar.. *shiver*
But now I finally feel like a complete baseball fan! I have baseball collectables displayed instead of stowed away! I will sleep a little better tonight.
With today’s roster moves, we’re beginning to see some clear winners (and losers) in the battles for the final roster spots remaining open before the Twins break camp and head north… or are we?
To review, here’s what we’ve known pretty much since the beginning of Spring Training:
Roster Locks:
Position Players: Mauer, Morneau, Hudson, Hardy, Punto, Harris, Young, Span, Cuddyer, Kubel and Thome.
Starting Pitchers: Baker, Blackburn, Slowey and Pavano
Bullpen: Rauch, Guerrier, Crain, Mijares and Condrey (yes, I know it’s hard to say he earned a spot based on Spring Training performance, but he was seen as a virtual lock going in and I’d imagine he probably still has his spot as long reliever).
That’s 11 of the 13 Position-player spots that were never up for grabs, 4 of the 5 rotation spots locked up and 5 of 7 bullpen spots taken.
With today’s announcement that Jacque Jones won’t be making the roster and re-assignments/options sending Matt Tolbert, Ben Revere and Matt Maroth to AAA, it’s becoming clear who some of the winners and losers in the battle for the five open rosters spots are going to be… and what a coincidence that it’s looking pretty much like what most people thought it would be before camp opened. (Obviously, Joe Nathan’s season ending TJ surgery opened up one extra bullpen spot.)
So what do we know and what’s still up in the air?
We know Alexi Casilla has “won” the lone remaining non-backup-catcher-position-player spot. It’s reallllllly hard to say he “won” that position, though, given he hasn’t had a very impressive spring. Lexi is getting the spot because (a) he’s out of options, and (b) Matt Tolbert didn’t impress anyone enough to prove he should get the spot instead. Based solely on performance, this spot should be Jacque Jones’, however. But then we all know these decisions aren’t based solely on performance.
We DON’T yet know whether Drew Butera or Wilson Ramos will break camp as the backup catcher (and literally the holder of the 25th roster spot). It’s not a terribly important decision, in my opinion, because whoever gets the job is only going to be holding it warm until Jose Morales is healthy.
The 5th rotation spot was billed as a battle between Francisco Liriano, Brian Duensing and Glen Perkins. Perkins has been eliminated by losing innings due to, well, let’s give him the benefit of the doubt and say it’s an injury. It sure looked like Francisco Liriano was the clear front runner for the final rotation spot, but over the last week a couple of things have happened that have cast some level of doubt on that. First, Joe Nathan was lost for the year and Liriano keeps getting mentioned as a possible replacement as the Twins’ closer. Second, frankly, Duensing has arguably out-pitched Liriano over their last couple of appearances.
In the bullpen, while I’ve heard possible reasons why Pat Neshek may be sent to AAA to start the season, they all sound like excuses to me. It’s almost like someone in the organization simply doesn’t want him with the Twins. He’s performed as well as, if not better than, almost every other relief pitcher this spring. If they really don’t want him, put him on the market and get something for him! But let’s stop with the “he’s not ready yet” crappola, already.
The final pitching spot then is going to come down to Duensing and Anthony Slama. Both guys need regular work so I don’t think you want either guy to sit around waiting for mop-up opportunities (that has to be what Condrey is there for, right?). If the Twins feel they need someone who can throw a few innings when a starting pitcher gets beat up early in a game (or perhaps feel they need another lefty), the gig goes to Duensing. He’s proven he is capable of getting Major League hitters out.
But if they decide they need another one-inning shut down arm out of the pen, Slama could get the call, while Duensing gets regular starts in Rochester. I consider this a bit of a long shot, though, given the guys who already have claimed spots in the bullpen. Condrey is arguably the only relief pitcher you’d feel you could use for more than an inning (or two at the most). Based on that, alone, I believe Duensing is staying (yes, I know Perkins could get that spot, but I’ll believe that when I see it). I suppose what this means is Slama is actually battling Neshek for that last short relief spot in the pen.
So, here’s my take…
Losers:
Ben Revere has been re-assigned to Rochester, but look for him to make his Twins debut in 2010Jacque Jones impressed, but not enough to convince the Twins to keep 5 OFMatt Tolbert's occasional problems in the field didn't help his cause this springDanny Valencia realistically had no chance... but we'll likely see him in 2010.
Winners:
Alexi Casilla appears to have claimed the final position-player roster spotFrancisco Liriano won a spot... but which spot?
Still competing:
If Neshek hasn't earned a spot, it's just proof Gardy REALLY doesn't like blogsBrian Duensing could work out of the pen or in the rotation.Are the old school stirrups enough to earn Slama a spot in the pen?Will Wilson Ramos back up Mauer... or will it be Drew Butera (no pic, sorry Drew)?
UPDATE: So, it seems that while I was in the drafting process, LaVelle E Neal at the Strib posted an update to his blog that indicated Slama has been advised he will be heading to AAA after the exhibition series vs. the Cardinals, so that makes the bullpen discussion moot… probably. It remains somewhat interesting to see whether Ron Mahay, signed this week, might maneuver his way on to the staff. Absent that happening, it looks like the pitching staff is pretty much set with only the decisions as to who starts and who closes yet to be determined. -JC
I’m heading out bright and early Thursday morning, but before I call it a night, I wanted to post one final “Spring Training Report.” (OK, it might not be the final one published, depending on whether a final ‘Jim Crikket Report’ makes an appearance in Howard Sinker’s “A Fan’s View From Section 219″ blog Thursday).
I can’t recommend highly enough this kind of spring vacation, if you’re a Twins fan or a fan of Major League Baseball at all. I’m sure Target Field will be terrific, but you don’t get opportunities to watch talent of this level as “up close and personal” anywhere but during spring training. And the opportunity to check out the Twins’ “future stars” on the minor league complex is a huge bonus, in my opinion.
With that, I’ll leave you with a few images from my last day at Twins 2010 Spring Training.
Outside Hammond Stadium, Spring Training home of your Minnesota Twins!2008 first round pick Carlos Gutierrez gets some help with his change-up gripMichael Cuddyer doing his Nick Punto impression... and he's SAFE!Jim Thome and Jerry White doing... something... I don't think I wanna know what.Anthony Slama... closer of the future?Ben Revere. His time is coming... soon.Hammond Stadium Mens Room... with "Take Me Out to The Ball Game" muralsTC Bear with a SuperSoaker... coming soon to an outdoor stadium near you!
Spending the day at the Twins’ spring training complex, for me, involves spending a good bit of the morning on the minor league complex. I enjoy watching the coaches put the younger players through their drills and give a bit of instruction along the way. I thought this would be a good time to share a couple of pictures from my Sunday morning.
Twins pitching prospect David Bromberg gets some instruction.Terry Ryan discusses the "Twins way" with prospect Ramon Santana... who tucked his jersey back in his pants.Twins teen aged Dominican prospect Miguel Angel Sano gets in some work at 3B.
On the way back over to the Hammond Stadium, this familiar face was spotted on Field 5 (next to the stadium).
Joe Nathan signs autograph after a workout on the day he and the team announced he'll undergo TJ surgery.
Finally, a few shots taken during the Sunday afternoon game with the Rays. (No story today… nothing I could come up with would top the “story” of Joe Mauer signing a contract that will keep him a Twin for the next 9 years!)
Orlando Hudson turns a base hit in to an out vs. the Rays.1B coach Jerry White congratulates Joe Mauer on his single vs. the Rays... or was it on the new contract?Michael Cuddyer is congratulated by Thome and Morneau following his HR vs the Rays.
Because I went a little crazy last weekend and bought that season ticket package, I was able to head down to Target Field today and check out my seats, the sights, and a little bit of the food. My friend Molly came along with me, and it was happily not too difficult to find our way into one of the parking ramps. Â We had a short hike through the skyway, during which we saw this view.
Just about the time you’re wondering if you’re going to make it where you want to go, there’s this door to the outside, revealing Target Plaza and Gate 34.
These are the stairs that come down from the skyway to the plaza.
This is the view of the plaza as you leave the stairs.
After entering through Gate 34 and heading to the left, a lot of food and beverage options await you on the concourse.
This vendor was a welcome sight.
I love that there are escalators. We took two to get up to section 322.
I forgot to log onto the season ticketholder website (I don’t have my actual tickets yet) to verify what the numbers of my seats are; I thought they were 3 and 4 but they’re really 13 and 14. Thus, this is sort of the view from my seats. I’m hoping that the view of home plate won’t be behind rails ten seats to the left.
Here’s the view of the videoboard from not-quite-my seats.
I’m not sure why, but I’ve been assuming the bleacher seats are the kind without backs. I was very happy to see they do indeed have back support.
Molly and I both tried the Italian sausage and deemed it pretty tasty. Molly also got a cup of fries, which weren’t bad at all (I’m not as much into fries, but I might buy them sometime).
I didn’t take a whole lot of pictures at the Twins game up in Port Charlotte against the Rays today, preferring to generally enjoy the game and the company out on the “boardwalk” above right center field. You get a very different perspective out there.
There are observations to be made by the particularly attentive photographer/fan in the cheap seats, though.
For example, this afternoon, I glanced down from my spot above the outfield to notice Nick Punto and Orlando Hudson casually standing deep in the outfield chatting. Now, this might not be unusual if not for the fact that, although both had already been replaced in the Twins lineup, the game was still very much in progress. I wasn’t close enough to hear EXACTLY what was being said, but I’m pretty sure it went something like this…
Punto: I still don’t know why Bill Smith signed you, Hudson. I’m better than you are!
Hudson: What’s your name again? I thought you were the batboy.
Punto: That does it! I’ll show you! We’re gonna race… right here… right now!
Hudson: (Laughing) We can’t do that, there’s a game going on! We shouldn’t even be standing in the outfield.
Punto: It’s OK. As long as you’re with me, Gardy won’t say anything. He likes me.
Hudson: OK, if you say so…
Punto: It’s fine… he won’t even notice. Just stand with your hands on your knees and act like you’re watching the game. Then when Gardy turns his head, we go!
Punto: (puff, puff, puff)
Hudson: Are you sure you aren’t the batboy?
Punto: I win!
Hudson: Wait a minute… you were serious?
Punto: You know, Hudson, you’re alright after all and I suppose there are some things you can do better than I can… but I bet I slide in to first base better than you do!
Hudson: (laughing) Nicky… it’s never even occurred to me to TRY!
One more picture from today’s game… this one’s for you, jamar
Former Nebraska Cornhusker Brian Duensing winds and delivers... "Go Big Red!"
Finally, once again this year, Howard Sinker of the Star Tribune has been gracious enough to post some of my spring training observations on his “A Fan’s View from Section 219” blog. If you’d like to read more about my trip to Ft. Myers, join me there! – JC
P.S. Extra credit for whoever can identify the movie from which, “it never even occurred to me to TRY,” comes from.
I confess. I’m not a fan of the former Twin starting pitcher that started for the Mets in their spring training game against the Twins today. It’s fine with me if my fellow Twins fans want to continue to worship him, even if I don’t agree with it. Just don’t expect me to fawn over his greedy, overpaid, New York loving, butt. 🙂
So, having said that, you might imagine that I rather enjoyed watching the game today in Port St. Lucie (is there really a St. Lucie?) You would be right.
I don’t wish any sort of serious life-threatening evil to befall this particular former Cy Young winner. I’m not that kind of person. Do I hope he wins more Cy Young awards? No. Do I hope he ever reaches the playoffs with the Mets? No. Do I hope the investment the Mets made in him turns out to be the biggest waste of money since Barry Zito? Absolutely. I wish him and the Mets all the luck in the world… all the really, really BAD luck. And given the length of the Mets’ DL the last year or so, my wishes seem to be right on the mark.
But back to today’s game. Yes, I realize it’s only spring training. Yes, I realize this pitcher seldom pitches real well in spring training (and as Twins fans came to realize over the years, “spring training” generally runs through April and in to May for this particular pitcher).
So, here are some pictures from some of my favorite moments during the Twins’ win over the Mets on Friday:
Mets’ pitcher #57 delivers a pitch to Brendan Harris as Denard Span taunts him from 1B.
Too much of a stud to be DH’d for, this former Twin Cy Young pitcher grounds out meekly.
Twins 3B prospect Danny Valencia strolls toward home plate after taking the Mets’ multi-bajillion dollar pitcher “yard.” Manager Ron Gardenhire punished Valencia for homering off of the former Cy Young winner by demoting him to Rochester after the game.
Twins Prospect Wilson Ramos rounds 3B after launching a HR off of a former Twin Cy Young winner
The “best pitcher in baseball” delivers with Twins Delmon Young and Danny Valencia at the corners. Both would eventually score.
The official line was worse than the scoreboard showed as #57 left the mound… 2 more runners he left on base would score.
There’s really no excuse for how I feel tonight (Thursday) as I write this. I’m 53 years old. I know better. I’ve been hibernating in Iowa for 5 cold months. I’m in Florida to catch some of the Twins’ spring training for something like the fourth straight year. I knew it even as I stood in the cloudy chill of the mid morning watching Twins prospects going through drills on the minor league complex adjacent to Hammond Stadium.
“You should have stopped to pick up sunscreen, dummy.”
But you didn’t come here to read about my pain. You came to read about the Twins’ spring training game vs. the Pirates, so here goes…
The Twins won.
I could tell you about how Carl Pavano struck out former Twin and current Pirate Garrett Jones. I could tell you about Jim Thome hitting his first home run of the spring. I could tell you about so much more. But I’m tired and I’m in some pain. So, instead of writing about what I saw, I’ll show you instead. (Yes, the downside of having a seat 2 rows up and just to the side of home plate is that pictures are taken through the netting of the backstop. I can live with it and I hope you can, too.)
Carl Pavano went five strong inningsGarrett Jones goes down swingingJason Jaramillo bows to Ben Revere (ok, not really)Doc's HR swing! (ok, so he grounded out to 2B... but it looks good!)Jim Thome and Jason Jaramillo knew this one was gone.Trevor Plouffe scores around the tag on a SAC fly by Chris Parmalee (background)
That’s it for Thursday. Friday is a trip across the state to Port St. Lucie. It’s a couple of hours away, but with the Twins facing the Mets and a certain former Twins left-handed starting pitcher, I’m sure it will be worth the time! – JC
Submitted by fellow reader, Corey, who’s down enjoying Spring Training.
Â
So, for my first day of Vacation, I headed over to the Cru Restaurant in Fort Myers to meet my friends Omar and Jeri-Lynn. (I went to art school with Omar in New Jersey back in the day.) The plan was to stay anchored at the bar at Cru and celebrate St. Patty’s Day.
Â
I met Jeri at about 5:15 and we proceeded to enjoy the evening. Omar arrived about 30 minutes later and rapidly the bar was filling with other patrons. At about 8:30 or so, the bar was PACKED, shoulder to shoulder and I happened to notice three gentlemen walk (squeeze is a better word) past us all at the same time. I recognized the third one almost immediately, but I wasn’t totally sure (I was fairly “happy” at that point).
Â
The three men took up a spot not 20 feet from where I was with my friends, and I just studied the their faces, knowing that I knew who they had to be…and it hit me. They were: Denard Span, Delmon Young, and Orlando Hudson of the Minnesota Twins. So I walked over, quickly introduced myself, shook their hands, gave them their props and politely asked for a photo.
Â
About an hour later, three other men squeezed into the bar going the opposite direction. I knew exactly who they were, since they were a foot away: Joe Nathan, Michael Cuddyer, and Nick Punto. I acknowledged each of them, shook each of their hands, gave `em their props and they kept on a movin’, so I had no chance for a photo. They were polite, but curt. Of the three, Nick Punto seemed the one most genuinely happy about meeting a fan from Minnesota.
Â
Thirty minutes later…former Twin (and current non-roster invitee to Spring Training) Jacque Jones walked in with another person I did not know. Again, I introduced myself as being a fan from Minny and gave Jacque his props and unfortunately again, no chance for a photo.
Â
To randomly meet SEVEN Twins players in one hip bar in Fort Myers on St. Patty’s Day was quite unusual. But, memorable!!
Corey with Orlando Hudson, Delmon Young and Denard Span
