March 2006 Archives

Jason Bartlett was sent to AAA Rochester today, and it's caused quite a bit of outrage among Twins fans who believe that Ron Gardenhire and the Twins' organization in general have something personal against Bartlett. It's true that the Twins haven't exactly shown much confidence in him since the beginning of last season. He was promptly sent to the minors after struggling the first 6 weeks of last season, and this season he hasn't been given the starting nod, despite not having any viable competition.

Spring Training Game.

Before there was Twins Nation there was, well, a Twins Nation. That's right, this isn't the first site devoted to everyone's favorite team. There's a whole list of Twins blogs out there. Twins Nation isn't out to take over all these other great sites; it wouldn't be possible if we tried. We're here to further strengthen the Twins community and hopefully fill a niche that was once left empty. Since the launch of this site 11 days ago I've been meaning to go through the list of some of the pioneers of the Twins online community, so here goes:

Spring Training.

Spring is supposed to be a time of hope and optimisism for baseball fans. Unless you're a Rockies or Royals fan there's hope that this could be the year your team gets to the playoffs and maybe even further. There are new players that are expected to do great things for your team, young players that are due for their breakout season, and old players that you can count on year in and year out. For these reasons I almost feel bad about the topic of this post, but I think it's worth discussing so I'll drop the doom & gloom thoughts on you anyway. So now that you've been warned, let's get into it.

Spring Training Game.

I was surprised to hear that this morning the Twins released Dennys Reyes. I had considered him a lock for the left-handed specialist job in the Twins' bullpen. With Gabe White retiring after his first appearance of the spring, Darrell May being released last week, and now Reyes being dropped this morning that leaves the Twins with one left-handed option in the bullpen, Fransisco Liriano.

Spring Training Game.

Twins beat Toronto at home.

Spring Training Game.

Jason Bartlett, who had been the leading candidate for the starting shortsop gig all through spring hurt his hamstring yesterday after hitting a double in the 8th. It sounds like it's not too serious, but on the other hand it's best to be cautious with injuries like this at this time in the season. The last thing anyone wants is hamstring bothering them all season. Bartlett had the following to say:

Spring Training Game.

Spring Training Game.

MLB.com reports:

Spring Training Game.

Spring Training Game.

With a couple weeks to go until the season begins the right field position is still a little up in the air. Surely, a number of players will see some playing time out there all season, but Lew Ford or Michael Cuddyer will probably see most of the playing time there, at least early on in the season. It's uncertain if Jason Kubel will be on the opening day roster let alone, starting.

Last season at this time Michael Cuddyer was preparing to take over for Corey Koskie at third base. He had been a bright star in the Twins organization just trying to find an open spot in the lineup, and the Twins had finally put their trust in Cuddyer by letting Koskie leave for Toronto. Last season didn't go as well as everyone, including Cuddyer, had hoped. Cuddyer made 15 errors in just 95 games at the hot corner last year. Expected to have 25+ homerun potential, he hit just 12 and batted a mediocre .263 while missing a few weeks in the middle of the season due to injury.

Spring Training Game.

The biggest issue facing the Twins in 2006 isn't necessarily whether they have improved or retreated from their 2005 team, but rather how much better the White Sox and Indians will be in 2006. The Twins are going to have some tough competition this season and the AL Central may become one of the stronger divisions in baseball. Nevertheless, it's worth discussing how the Twins have changed in each area from 2005 to 2006.

The Twins are a small market team, and the media heavyweights such as ESPN often ignore the Twins in favor of reporting the latest argument between Barry Bonds and a teammate or George Steinbrenner's latest comments. However, the Twins are an exciting team that play the game right and they're truly worth discussing.

Spring Training Game.

Spring Training Game.

Spring Training Game.

Spring Training Game (SS).

Spring Training Game (SS).

Stewart and White homer in Twins victory.

6-run second inning leads Philly to win.

Spring Training Game.

Spring Training Game.

Spring Training Game

Spring Training Game.

Spring Training Game.

Spring Training Game

Spring Training Game

Spring Training Game.

Spring Training Game.

Spring Training Game (SS).

Spring Training Game (SS).

Spring Training Game

Spring Training Game.