Twins Begin Spring Training With Many Questions
FORT MEYERS, FL. (WCCO)- For a long stretch in Fort Meyers, the big question was: "Will the Twins ever beat the Yankees in the playoffs?" From six divisional titles in nine years, to back-to-back last-place finishes – what has happened to the Twins?
Their inability to develop quality starters has killed them. The trades of both Denard Span and Ben Revere left the organization with no choice but to revamp the rotation.
Catcher Joe Mauer will have the lion's share of working with the likes of Kevin Correia, Vance Worley and Kyle Gibson.
"We made a lot of moves this off-season, and bringing in pitching. That was kind of the thing we needed to address. And this is an exciting time to see some of these young guys," Mauer said. "And see them up close and see what they can do."
Mauer had 545 at-bats last season, but only 10 homeruns. He's about to turn 30, so the three-time batting champ is realistic about his statistics.
"The numbers I'm concerned about are wins and losses. And obviously…the last couple years hasn't been so great. So obviously I've been around for a while. You kind of know what you're going to get out of me," he said. "But moving into Target Field…you make an adjustment too. But just try to go out there and stay on the field, and I think numbers will take care of itself."
The Twins' first exhibition game is Sunday against the Tampa Bay Rays. And opening day at Target Field is April 1 against the Detroit Tigers.
