FINALLY!!!!!

The Twins have signed Joe Mauer!!!!This makes up for the news that we have lost Joe Nathan for the year. I have to admit that the last week I have been worried about losing not only Nathan but also Mauer. It is a huge relief to me I think we can get by without a closer. The fact that our 5 starters will be stronger our bullpen will be stronger makes me believe that we can overcome that weakness. It is likely we will pick up a veteran closer somewhere but until then Rauch, Guerrier or the new kid Slama could carry us.
It is most important that we have locked up our native son! I had a hard time when we lost Tor-i-i and don't think I could have handled losing Joe! This has got me charged up again! Only 22 days until opening day!! I wish I had season tickets!! This is going to be a wonderful year!

Spring game #1

Lost to the Red Sox 2-1. But winning in spring ball isn't whats important. The fact that Kevin Slowey pitched two scoreless innings and felt good. After 8 months of recovery from a chip bone in his wrist he has got to feel great being back in the mix. Sure he gave up a little hit but was able to close out the inning. And after two years one can only imagine how excited Pat Neshek was to be throwing the ball. he threw one inning getting all 3 batters he faced.

Another good sign was Span leading off getting on base being advanced by Alexi and then brought around by a single up the middle from Kubel. Just like the coaches planned! A fun bonus moment was Jacque Jones-Double J making a diving catch. SEE the guy still has it!

GO Twins!

Questions....

Outfield...

Centerfield Denard Span! He will be great in center, as great as Gomez? Maybe won't be as fast and make as many crazy rundowns but he will be better at hitting the cutoff man and more aware. I do think we will miss him in right and left though. We already know he will be a great lead off hitter. Lets just hope his dizzy spells don't come back. Don't know who will cover center if he goes down. Cuddy or maybe even Punto. I think if there are issues that they will bring up Double J! This works out just fine because Double J is always a slow starter at the plate and if we don't need him until mid season he will be in fine form!

Right field Michael Cuddyer! He has a cannon for an arm but its unlikely runners will test him anymore. He has decent range out there though there are a couple parks that will challenge him. Lets also hope we don't need him to cover 1st base again! Again Double J could come up and do that instead. I believe he will come to the plate as strong as last year.

Left Field Delmon Young! I have wiped my slate clean for Del this year. The guy had a hard year last season. Sure I was on his case constantly last year but looking back I realize he had a lot on his plate. I can not imagine not being able to be with his Mom as she battled cancer and then losing her in the middle of the season. He ended the season hitting well and has come into this year knowing left field is his to lose. He has shed 30 pounds hopefully picking up the speed he needs out there. Not only will that help him in the outfield but also running the bases. He did have 14 stolen bases the first year he was here and 50 some when he was with Tampa. I also remind myself he is only 24! This may be the season he blossoms! Finally seems like he is comfortable in the clubhouse and working hard to contribute. There isn't as much pressure on him and that may help a lot.

Back up Jason Kubel! Our DH hitter and back up to left/right field had a good season last and looks to improve on that this year. He will share some DH duties with Thome, give days off to Cuddy and Del or cover for Cuddy when he spells Span. I haven't heard much about him so far this year but I am sure he is looking to build on his success from '09.

Overall the outfield looks good to me. We don't quite have the depth of last year and we may miss GoGo a little but I think Del has stepped up and Double J will be a good fall back for us late in the season. And who knows maybe a young prospects will step up late in the season. I am excited to see the new outfield crew at the new park!