TWINS - 3/10/02
March 10, 2002
Latest Team Info:
The Twins got a scare this week when 3B Corey Koskie hurt his wrist during batting practice. Koskie heard a popping sound and the worst was assumed. After heading back to Minnesota to have specialists take a look, it was found to be sprained. Koskie is expected to be out about 2 weeks. This should give him a week before the season starts to get into game shape. Torii Hunter began playing in exhibition games this week. He had missed the past 2 weeks because of a sore shoulder. This isn’t expected to cause him any more problems. This is just the case of a team being careful with its core players. SP Kyle Lohse looks to have the inside track on winning the 5th spot in the rotation. He has been impressive in his spring starts so far.
Local Perspective:
Friday is the deadline for the Twins to trade SP Rick Reed or have him rescind his trade demand. Twins officials are being very quiet on the issue and hope to not have to trade him. Many believe Reed’s agent his trying to get his contract renegotiated for more money. Many Twins players feel Reed will rescind his trade demand. Former Twins manager Tom Kelly has said he may have some interest in the recently opened Boston Red Sox manager’s position.
Injuries:
Torii Hunter has begun playing in exhibition games this week after sitting out with a sore shoulder. RF canidate Brian Buchanan has been battling minor injuries this spring and hasn’t gotten the chance to show what he can bring to the team. If injuries prevent him from playing much this spring watch for Michael Cuddyer or Dustin Mohr to win the right field job. 3B Corey Koskie is out about 2 weeks with a wrist injury that occurred during batting practice.
On the Farm:
1st overall draft pick in 2001 C Joe Mauer is having a very impressive spring. Twins manager Ron Gardenhire believes Mauer could hit at the majors now, but still needs work on his catching skills. Mauer is only 18 years old, and may only be a year away from taking over the catching duties for the Twins. OF Michael Restovich hit 30 HR’s at class AA last year. He has an outside chance to make the team, but would have to overwhelm the Twins brass to be brought north. Watch for him next year in LF if Jacque Jones struggles like he did during the 2001 season.
Quick View:
Add: RP Eddie Guardado – has been named Twins closer.
Drop: RP Latroy Hawkins – has been demoted from his closers spot. But has been impressive this spring after getting rid of his curveball in exhange for a slider.
