Twins Blog: Rainy Spring Training Better Than Winter
Matt Kummer, WCCO-TV Executive Producer
You know it's been a rough winter when a cool, rainy, 65 degree day in Florida can break you out of your winter funk. For much of Thursday, it wasn't clear if the Twins would even take the field for their scheduled game against the Toronto Blue Jays. But, I didn't really care.
This is my first time at spring training. Like many Minnesotans, I decided that the best way to combat the nonstop snow and cold we've had since November was to get out of it. Even as the rain kept coming down Thursday morning, Twins fans gathered at Hammond Stadium to watch their favorite players, and upcoming prospects take their cuts in the batting cages.
Spring training is a chance to see these guys up close and personal.
Only a fence separated Denard Span from fans watching him take his cuts. He spent a good 10 minutes afterward signing and taking pictures with fans. Jim Thome also came out to chat with fans. Many of them thanked him for re-signing with the Twins and coming back for one more year. Joe Mauer rode by on a golf cart, presumably after a workout. He waved, and of course fans asked him about his knee. He said it was fine.
I'm sure Joe will be ready for opening day, but when you are the local guy that's the face of the franchise, any news is big news.
One of the coolest things I saw was Jim Thome getting tips on his swing mechanics from Paul Molitor.
Thome's respect for the game is well known, and he seemed to be soaking up the advice Molitor was giving him. Pretty awesome -- seeing one Hall of Famer (Molitor) giving tips to a guy (Thome) who will join him in the Hall after he retires.
The Twins did get on the field after an hour-plus delay due to the rain.
Delmon Young, Tsuyoshi Nishioka and Justin Morneau were supposed to play, but were scratched from the lineup due to the wet weather.
They are all supposed to play today, though I wonder if Nishioka may be held out, as I'm sure his thoughts are with family and friends in Japan after that huge earthquake.
Nick Blackburn gave up 5 runs over 3 innings. Luke Hughes continues to make a big push to make the team, lining a 2 run double.
The weather is sunny today. It should be a great game against the Red Sox. Then again, who cares if it isn't? It's sunny and warm -- at least by Minnesota standards.
