He just looks like damaged goods.

I don't think so. But... He will get plenty of chances to prove he isn't.

He is the player that concerns me the most. He has look teeeeerrrible and he is suppose to be a key middle of the line-up bat. Hicks looks infintely better from the ride side as compared to Willingham.

Not sure if he is finished or not (and I hope he is not so he would bring something back come July) but what really bugged me about Willingham this Spring was the total lack or effort and general nonchalantness. The last thing this team needs...

Is he moving like he's hiding an injury?

Is he moving like he's hiding an injury?

 

No. When he is hurt he flinches. No flinching. Just lack of much movement in general...

I hope he is healthy and productive until the trade deadline.

No, but then again Bartlett has proven he's not finished either.

He is an obvious DH. This is actually blatantly obvious.

Meh, spring training is a worthless time to evaluate players overall, ten fold that to veterans that have been in the league for over a decade. It's a long long long long season, to be frank their is no reason for veterans to be giving anything close to 100% in the definition of meaningless games. I'm 29 (which is supposed to be an adults athletic prime....lol no) play baseball in a wood bat league and even playing 3-4 games a week for about 35-40 games total breaks down the body quickly, I can't imagine what 162 in less than 200 days does, much less another 25 in 35 or so days prior.

 

If Willingham is healthy he will hit just fine, fielding is another issue of course but he should be DHing sooner then later ideally if Buxton can make the jump quickly!

Edited March 29, 201412 yr by SpiritofVodkaDave

I think Willingham is an absolute key if the Twins offense is to improve. If he's not a threat, Mauer doesn't get pitched to, and more pressure is on the younger guys to produce. Spring training doesn't matter to an established guy like the Hammer, but the results this spring haven't built observer's confidence.

This has been the way that Willingham has always looked. There's only one thing that he has ever been good at and he might still be able to hit regardless of how non graceful he looks when he moves.