Pitchers and Catchers First Workout – Photos

The Twins’ pitchers and catchers reported to spring training on Wednesday and held their first official workouts today. I confess that I did not make a point of getting over to their complex in Ft. Myers before they took the field, but I got there – eventually.

New banners above the ticket windows at Hammond Stadium

For the first time this week, I took the “real” camera with me to the ballpark this morning, rather than rely just on my camera phone for photos. That said, if you follow me on Twitter (@JimCrikket), you saw Tweets I sent out that included batting practice cuts from Max Kepler, Jorge Polanco, Alex Kirilloff and Nick Gordon.

So, just a few random photos here tonight. Yes, I tend to focus on former Cedar Rapids Kernels, probably because it’s those guys I generally enjoy watching go through their workouts, just to compare them to what I remember them looking like during their time as Kernels.

Jose Berrios was a popular guy with the autograph seekers after his workout. Kudos to him for spending a LOT of time with his fans.
Catcher Ben Rorrtvedt getting loosened up before doing a lot of squatting while catching bullpen sessions.
When you’re going to spend as much time squatting while catching bullpen sessions as Brian Navarreto is, stretching is important!

Note: I was glad to get an opportunity to have a quick chat with Rortvedt and Navarreto after they completed their work. Two outstanding guys… and among the best defensive catchers I’ve seen come through Cedar Rapids. Both received non-roster invitations to the Twins’ Major League camp this spring.

2013 Kernels alum and current Twins shortstop Jorge Polanco
2013 Kernels alum and current Twins right fielder Max Kepler

These photos were taken at about the same time the Twins were announcing that they have signed both Polanco and Kepler to multi-year contract extensions.

Max kepler in the batting cage, while Jorge Polanco chats with one of the Twins’ all-time greats, Tony Oliva.
Tony Oliva is in uniform as a spring training coach every year.
Two more former Kernels. Outfielder Alex Kirilloff (CR 2018) and shortstop Nick Gordon (CR 2015)

Finally, yes, I got a little “artsy” with this one, with the shadows. Can’t really expect me to just take a bunch of pictures without trying to find SOMETHING different to do with them!

Zack Littell getting in his first official bullpen session of the spring