Justin Morneau has played in all five Twins regular season games this season. For the local franchise that’s cause for celebration during an otherwise mediocre start to the 2010 season.
Morneau didn’t play most of last summer because of a concussion and his slow recovery during the off-season resulted in a cautious spring training for the Twins first baseman. But so far the former All-Star has had no symptoms that have sidelined him.
Morneau had one hit in 10 at-bats during the team’s first three games in Toronto. After two games in New York against the Yankees, he’s 2-6.
“He’ll get his swing there and you will start seeing the ball flying into the seats,” manager Ron Gardenhire said on Monday night during his post-game TV press conference on FOX Sports North. “He’s a strong young man who has been an MVP in this league. He knows how to hit. It’s just a matter of getting his timing.”
Morneau, who turns 30 next month, is now in his peak career years. He played in 81 games last season, hitting .345 with 18 home runs and 56 RBI. Double the home runs and RBI totals over a 162 game schedule and see how impressive those numbers are, and how similar the totals are to 2009 when he slugged 30 home runs and had 100 RBI.
The Twins would struggle to make the playoffs without Morneau and catcher Joe Mauer who had off-season knee surgery but is among the most valuable players in baseball. For now both are on the field and able to provide the Twins with a better chance of improving their 2-3 start to the season.