Twins Spring Training: News And Notes Day 5

By Ted Schwerzler |

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The Minnesota Twins have been down in Fort Myers, Florida now for just about a week. As the team continues to work towards games kicking off next week, today represented the first day of full squad workouts. While pitchers and catchers reported earlier this week, today was mandatory for all position players to be present as well.

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Earlier this morning, we took a look at what is visually taking place down in Florida for the Twins. Looking through images of batting practice and bullpens provides a glimpse into how the newly renovated Hammond Stadium is being utilized. As Paul Molitor continues to instruct his first Spring Training as manager of the Twins, there are plenty of new practices taking place however.

Here are some of the principles and thoughts coming from down south on the first day of full squad workouts.

Paul Molitor is addressing a small group of pitchers and catchers in the bullpen. Focus appears to be on controlling the running game.
— Mike BerardinoNDI (@MikeBerardino) February 27, 2015

Considering the Twins struggle in this category last year both behind the plate and on the mound, working to fix issues early is a good choice.

Asked Molitor about Sano taking grounders at first. Said not to read anything into that. "He took some at second too." #MNTwins
— Mike BerardinoNDI (@MikeBerardino) February 27, 2015

Clearly Molitor wants his infielders to be able to handle fielding balls from different angles and focused on getting good work in.

Rap was the choice du jour in the #MNTwins clubhouse after today's workout. Plenty of Jay-Z, so it's not gonna be just classic rock.
— Mike BerardinoNDI (@MikeBerardino) February 27, 2015

As expected, Molitor will institute restrictions on electronic devices during the regular season. Starts 30 minutes before 1st pitch.
— Mike BerardinoNDI (@MikeBerardino) February 27, 2015

This is actually a continuation of the restrictions that began to be enforced in the final weeks of 2014. In-game usage banned as well.
— Mike BerardinoNDI (@MikeBerardino) February 27, 2015

While much was made about the way in which Molitor would command the clubhouse, it appears there will still be some leniency when it comes to musical selection. That said, he is definitely going to make sure his clubhouse is focused on the task at hand. He was however able to keep it light as well.

There’s no doubt that Molitor wants to institute a culture of winning, a chemistry founded on everyone playing along is part of that. It appears as if team rules will be a focal point of the spring to make sure things get established early.

Molitor: "If you have an ability or desire to do the right thing, it takes care of a lot of rules. We’re going to try to cultivate that."
— Mike BerardinoNDI (@MikeBerardino) February 27, 2015

Molitor: "We have team rules. We obviously need rules. ... Not many changes, but there are a few." #MNTwins
— Mike BerardinoNDI (@MikeBerardino) February 27, 2015

There’s plenty of new rules to get used to this season, Molitor will get more in depth with them today. Check out the breakdown here.

Molitor and bench coach Joe Vavra will meet at 2 today with Joe Torre to discuss pace-of-play changes.
— Mike BerardinoNDI (@MikeBerardino) February 27, 2015

It’s always good to see a player embracing the role of leadership to those outside of the organization as well.

For what it's worth: Every time I see Torii Hunter signing autographs, he sticks around to fulfill every request.
— Derek Wetmore (@DerekWetmore) February 27, 2015

Make sure to stay tuned in to Puckett’s Pond through the year for all things Twins.

Next: Twins Spring Training: Everyone Present For Day 5

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