This is the latest report of the happenings in the Twins' Spring
training, and the first live from Fort Myers. The previous one is here, and can find all 2017 Twins Spring Training related posts here.
I will be describing events of interesting in the Twins' camp as well
as happenings with former Twins. For two weeks, starting this week,
these reports will be live from Fort Myers and daily and will be
indicated
in the title.
- The Twins played at Port Charlotte today against the Tampa Bay Rays. Phil Hughes made his latest start and was effective. He threw 57 pitches in 5 innings and then 21 more in the bullpen. You can see each of his pitches here. This was the start that Hughes was supposed to go 100% with his fastball, but it sat at 88-90, touching 91 once. He had a good command today and he mixed his pitches well to keep the Rays players guessing; he ended up with 8 swinging strikes out of those 57 pitches (14.0 %) If this is indeed 100% for Hughes right now, the Twins need to decide whether they can think that he can embrace his inner crafty righty and be a different pitcher or whether he should start the season in the DL until his fastball reaches its pre-injury levels. I am on the fence about it right now.
- JT Chargois who followed hit 94-96 with his fastball and 84-86 with his slider. He was a bit out of control, esp when a Ray reached. Have yet to see much from Chargois this Spring and I feel that he will get caught in the numbers game and will be optioned to Rochester to start the seasons. Buddy Boshers and Alex Wimmers pitched ok, but against minor leaguers, so it is tough to judge their assignments.
- The Twins bats were alive early. Jorge Polanco hit a line drive solo home run in the second and made every single play that was in his direction. Brian Dozier hit a 3-run home run the following inning and that was all the offense that the Twins would need to win the game. Max Kelper had a highlight reel diving catch early in the game.
- Interesting to see that Gene Glynn is the coach who is responsible for the outfield formation; also during the game Jeff Pickler several times seeked and talked with Paul Molitor when the Twins were hitting.
- Tomorrow the Twins will host Boston with Ryan Vogelsong starting.
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