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Minnesota Twins Morning News: Spring Training Day Eight

By Michael McKee

Mar 13, 2015; Bradenton, FL, USA; Minnesota Twins relief pitcher Jose Berrios (68) pitches during the third inning against the Pittsburgh Pirates at McKechnie Field. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 13, 2015; Bradenton, FL, USA; Minnesota Twins relief pitcher Jose Berrios (68) pitches during the third inning against the Pittsburgh Pirates at McKechnie Field. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports /
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– After a season off to rest and recuperate from various injuries, Ryan Sweeney has an outside shot of landing with the Twins’ out of spring training. Phil Miller of the Star Tribune has the story of how Sweeney landed with the Twins and his year on the sidelines. ‘“After a while, it was tough, but I trusted that I could get back in the game,” Sweeney said. “I don’t know if your pride gets hurt, but I had a little bit of a chip on my shoulder. I was ready to get back.”’

– Fernando Abad regrets not playing winter league ball last offseason. According to Rhett Bollinger, Abad believes that his decision not contributed to his rough 2015 season.  Abad was certain to head to the Dominican Republic this offseason to stay sharp. “It was different than training with somebody else. And I didn’t play winter ball. But this year, I feel good, and I’m in shape, and my arm feels good.” Abad has a good chance of making the Twins as a 2nd bullpen lefty come opening day.

– Apparently the Twins, spearheaded by Trevor Plouffe, are gathering tomorrow night to watch The Bachelor. Bonding exercise? We suppose that enduring a hardship together often does create camaraderie…

According to the players, it’s one of the ways they’ve been keeping things loose. Such a light atmosphere is a foreign concept to Byung Ho Park, who’s used a more subdued, workplace-type feel. Here’s hoping his teammate’s also introduce him to some nobler examples of American culture.

– Position players were officially due to arrive at spring training on Friday. Many were already in town ahead of the deadline. On Saturday, the full spring squad held their first workout all together. The Twins put together a video of the day.

– The Twins have made it known who will be starting the first few spring games. The schedule, via Derek Wetmore, is as follows: March 2nd-  Hughes/May, 3rd – Duffey/Nolasco, 4th – Milone, 5th – Santana/Berrios, 6th – Gibson. Wetmore notes that this group of 8 are essentially the starting candidates. “Typically in spring training those limits are something like 40 pitches or 2 innings, whichever comes first, although Molitor didn’t give any indication about whether or not there’s a precise limit in place for his starters.”

Next: Opening Day Roster Prediction

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