First of all, as far as the "B" game (free to fans, BTW) tomorrow goes, the Twins have announced who is playing. All of: Scott Baker, Nick Blackburn, Liam Hendriks, Jeff Manship, Jason Bulger, Carlos Gutierrez, Tyler Robertson, Brendan Wise and Deolis Guerra will pitch an inning a piece. The line up will be: C- J.R. Towles, 1B- Aaron Bates, 2B- Pedro Florimon, 3B- Ray Chang, SS- Brian Dozier, LF- Ben Revere, CF- Joe Benson, RF- Rene Tosoni, DH Brian Dinkelman.
So what have we learned so far:
- The clubhouse atmosphere is upbeat and easy going and players like Ben Revere have been lighting up the atmosphere and bring in positive energy
- Joe Mauer did not miss a single workout, a single bullpen catching or a single batting practice. This is extremely encouraging.
- Justing Morneau did not miss a single workout and hit a double and a home run off Fransisco Liriano the other day, which means that he can time and turn a fastball this early in Spring Training and this is great news
- The Twins lost Joel Zumaya and someone from the organization will have to step up. My analysis about this is here, but several of these pitcher will be pitching tomorrow.
- Based on the starting lineup tomorrow, unless they reverse, Florimon is viewed as the second baseman and Dozier as the SS for the Red Wings. It Looks like the Twins will give Dozier many chances to win the short stop of the future label. As a matter of fact, that lineup, minus Revere, might be the Rochester Red Wings starting lineup.
- Ron Gardenhire is open with his outfield positions, especially now that Revere's arm is stronger
- Late edit, because it just came up in Phil Mackey's notebook. According to Joe Mauer, Carlos Gutierrez, Casey Fien and Fransisco Liriano have been the most impressive pitchers he caught in camp right now.
So the Twins are playing their first game tomorrow. Baseball is here. And this is incredible news!
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