The Twins manager, Ron Gardenhire, offered a neat bit of understanding on Tuesday night as he changed Minnesota’s tactics this Spring Training to give Justin Morneau chance to practice his national role before joining up with Team Canada’s for the World Baseball Classic.

Gardenhire confirmed designated hitter, Morneau, would instead start Tuesday’s game against the Blue Jays at first base – his preferred position with the Canada side.

The reason: to give Morneau extra practice in the role and boost his game potential ahead of the Baseball Classic, which gets under way this March across the Pacific region.

“I just want to get my legs underneath me,” Morneau told reporters. “There’s a big difference between playing five innings and playing nine. Playing three days in a row, I think, will speed that process up a little bit.”

Indeed, Canada are drawn in a tough pool alongside the US, Mexico and Italy this spring, and they need all the help they can get. With Morneau primed as a first-baseman they have a steady hand in the field and don’t need to worry about his form.

Although not a huge deal for Minnesota – who beat Toronto 8-4 on Tuesday – the fact Morneau got this game under his belt will do wonders for the player’s confidence.

As most Twins fans with experience betting MLB World Series will testify, it’s always nice to see one of your own players doing well for their country. Morneau has already come out and said he’d happily play anywhere for the team, with DH or first base his preferred position and has raised eyebrows with comments regarding the shortstop role.

Regardless of where he plays, Twins fans can be safe in the knowledge he will give his upmost to the team. This Baseball Classic could be Morneau’s chance to impress while away from Spring Training and will prepare the 31-year-old for what MLB betting news pundits believe could be a tough season ahead.