Metrodome Memories

Twins second baseman Nishioka’s 13-game hitting streak was brought to an end yesterday after going 0 for 3 against Daisuke Matsuzaka. Yesterday was the first time the two faced each other since 2006 when both played in the Nippon Professional Baseball League. With the regular season around the corner, the managers start to slim the Spring Training roster down to the 25 man roster. Earlier today the Twins optioned infielder Luke Hughes and relievers Jim Hoey and Anthony Slama down. There are still 34 players left on the Twinkies Spring squad. More news on players optioned to Triple-A should come a bit later this week.

Michael Cuddyer and Jom Thome played in a minor league intrasquad game earlier this morning. Cuddyer has been experiencing discomfort in his left foot after having a wart removed on March 1^st. He played right field for three innings and went 2 for 4 with a two-run-homer. His pain and trouble with running the bases seems to have lessened in today’s game. Cuddyer said “today was a step in the right direction”. Cuddyer is expected to play another minor league game tomorrow. Twins fans are hoping he will be ready for the season opener less than two weeks away.

The Twins lost 6-3 to the Phillies earlier today, but there can be some positives taken away from it. Although all six runs were scored off Joe Nathan in 1/3 of an inning, Liriano had a quality start with three scoreless innings. Liriano is quite pleased with his spring training progression, after not liking his mechanics and feeling like “nothing was working”. After his performance today, with over 50 pitches, he felt a bit of a tight back. His focus on his mechanics is to stay back and not rush. Liriano could be ready at the start of the season.

Twins’ manager,Ron Gardenhire, has made up his mind for the season opener. Nishioka will start at second base, and Casilla will start at third base. The announcement was made yesterday morning before the Twins played the Rays. Gardenhire talked with Nishioka and was able to get him to admit he was more comfortable playing at second base. This came after Nishioka always responded to Gardenhire’s questions with something like “whatever you want me to do”. Gardenhire was happy Nishioka and him finally talked. He knew it would take sometime, but he is happy it happened now as opposed to during the season.