Twins Spring Training: News And Notes March 2

Sep 23, 2014; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Twins designated hitter Trevor Plouffe (24) hits a single in the first inning against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Target Field. The Minnesota Twins win 6-3. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports

Twins Coming Down With Illness

As we noted this morning, the Minnesota Twins have seen illness sweep through their clubhouse. Over the weekend, a few players were sent home to rest and get over the sickness. The issue has carried into this week however as more Twins players are coming down with the bug.

Amongst the first to be sent home was third basemen Trevor Plouffe. He is now back with the club, but Byron Buxton, Oswaldo Arcia, and a few others have now come under fire from the illness.

With the Twins missing their starting catcher in Kurt Suzuki, and fourth outfielder in Jordan Schafer, some important reps are being missed early in the new campaign. Here’s to hoping that the Twins can get over the bug and that no more players come down with anything.

Check out the full story on the illnesses here.

Sep 16, 2014; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Twins relief pitcher Glen Perkins (15) looks on after giving up a three run home run in the ninth inning against the Detroit Tigers at Target Field. The Twins won 4-3. Mandatory Credit: Jesse Johnson-USA TODAY Sports

Glen Perkins To Face The Gophers

On Wednesday, the Twins are set to take on the Minnesota Gophers in their first action of the spring. The Gophers have a handful of games already on their belt, and will be looking to knock off the major league club. Fresh off sweeping Florida Gulf Coast, the Gophers will be looking to make a bigger splash.

Twins closer Glen Perkins is an alum of the University of Minnesota and is one of the most famous major leagues from the program. He is set to throw against his former college team. While Alex Meyer was initially slated to start, the passing of his grandfather has changed those plans.

Perkins is expected to get a bullpen session in today, and if everything goes well, he will pitch against the Gophers.

It’s fair to expect Perkins to want to come out and compete right away in the spring. With college kids not holding back having nothing to lose, they will be looking to get a leg up on the Twins closer. Perkins will be doing what he can to make sure that doesn’t happen.

Jul 22, 2014; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Detroit Tigers outfielder Torii Hunter against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Minnesota Gets Drills In Full Swing

Of the highlights when viewing a full squad workout is the drill featuring cutoffs and relays. With so many people on the field, precision and accuracy is put on full display. Showing off chemistry early on Spring Training is something that a relay drill can also typically encompass.

The Twins busted out their cutoff drill without their starting left fielder as Arcia was out sick. Torii Hunter seemed to mesh well early with his new teammates, and there were baseballs flying all over the place.

With players being out of commission for the Twins, there’s quite a few guys getting an early chance to show off their abilities. Eddie Rosario could get a look at the major league level this season, and factoring into left field today for the Twins is where he would likely find time.

Sep 27, 2014; Detroit, MI, USA; Minnesota Twins designated hitter Kennys Vargas (19) hits a single in the fourth inning against the Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

Batting Practice Takes Over Hammond Stadium

With the Twins looking to replicate the impressive offensive output their lineup produced a season ago, strong approaches at the plate will be necessary. Paul Molitor has his guys getting in plenty of cuts early this spring, and players like Kennys Vargas and Miguel Sano highlighted the action today.

With both power hitters figuring to get plenty of designated hitter at bats in the coming years, showing of strength at Target Field is something that Twins fans should get used to. Both Vargas and Sano sprayed plenty of baseballs all over the field this morning.

Torii Hunter kept it light with fans after his round of batting practice. While he still launches plenty of baseball into the stands, he’s far from the power threat that Sano or Vargas impose upon pitchers. At any rate, there’s little doubt that he is continuing to share his smile.

Sep 5, 2014; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Twins catcher Josmil Pinto (43) at bat against the Los Angeles Angels at Target Field. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports

Josmil Pinto Shows Off Both Sides Of Game

We’ve talked a ton about Josmil Pinto this offseason. While he is no doubt going to be on the Twins 25 man roster, there are significant positives and negatives to his game. Although he possesses strong power ability with his bat at the plate, behind it he leaves the Twins with a glaring deficiency.

Minnesota saw both sides of Pinto’s game on full display on Monday down in Fort Myers.Struggling on defense is something the Twins have grown accustomed to with Pinto, while brandishing a strong bat is other something they have benefited from.

The Twins will be hoping that Pinto can start to grasp the defensive side of things to a higher extent this spring, making him that much more of an asset during the season. Check out our thoughts on Pinto both positive and negative from earlier this offseason.

• The Josmil Pinto Effect
• The Twins Josmil Pinto Problem

As the Twins continue to progress through the spring, make sure to stay tuned on the latest information to come from Florida.

Next: MLB: Analyzing The Season Totals

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