Fort Myers thoughts

[stringer bell]

My brother and I have been in Ft. Myers since Sunday night. My brother is talking about extending his stay next winter--good for him--but I'm sure I won't be down here more than a week in the near future. The weather has been cooler than last year and I've only gotten in the pool once. I'm playing golf tomorrow ahead of going to Jet Blue to see one more game before heading back to wintry Minnesota.

 

This is my second year here and with the added experience I have seen more and experienced much more minor league activity. I have seen almost all of the Twins top minor leaguers, except for Berrios and Rosario, and I think the future looks pretty good. Sano and Buxton could be great players and JR seems particularly high on Buxton. There are oodles of Latin players and I noted an increased number of Hispanic coaches among the minor league staff. I'm not sure there's enough pitching in the lower minors, but perhaps that is the case in every camp.

 

The big league team doesn't look too good. Part of that may be the absence of Mauer and until yesterday, Morneau. The starting pitching looks subpar and the bullpen is iffy. There doesn't figure to be much offense from the middle infield and the prospective corner OFs lack range. This rebuilding team is slated to start four guys over 30 on Mauer's birthday, which points to me that the Twins will almost certainly move someone by the deadline.

 

The experience of watching Twins games is a good one. You see many people and get to know quite a few of them. The staff is friendly and helpful. It is worth it if any Twins' fan gets the chance.

[stringer bell]

I watched Diamond throw today and he looked pretty good. He signed autographs afterward and said his elbow felt good. I don't know when he'll be ready but I doubt it's more than a couple weeks into the season. Pressly and Burton had nice outings Wood survived to pitch two scoreless innings. Pelfrey and Burnett weren't very effective. Parmelee homered and walked (twice I think) and Benson had three hits.

[70charger]

Good report. I'd like to get down there myself, but time is in such short supply.