Notebook: Full-Squad Workouts and The Bringer of...Dance Moves?

Though many members of the team arrived at Hammond Stadium last week, today marked the first day of full-squad workouts — signifying that Spring Training is officially here. There were stretching sessions, infield drills, and live batting practices. Baseball is back, baby. Let’s dig into everything that happened in Twins Territory in today’s notebook:

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Twins sign Utilityman, Andrew Romine to Minor League Deal

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The Minnesota Twins announced this morning that they have signed 35-year old utilityman, Andrew Romine, to a minor league contract. Romine joined the club today in Fort Myers. In his 10 year Major League career, Romine has spent time with the Angels, Tigers, Mariners and Rangers, spending time all over the diamond in the field. In fact, in 2017 Romine became just the fifth player in Major League history to play all 9 positions in a single game. With a career OPS south of .600, Romine doesn’t figure to make the big league club out of camp, but should provide some flexible depth in AAA St. Paul.

Twins Release Spring Training Broadcast Schedule

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There will be plenty of opportunity for fans to follow the Minnesota Twins this Spring, as the Twins announced today that 13 of their 19 Spring Training games will be televised on Fox Sports North, with an additional 3 games being broadcast on the radio. Perhaps the biggest surprise of the announcement, though, was that former Twins Cy Young Award winner, Johan Santana, would be making his debut in the booth. On March 26, Santana will act as the co-color commentator with LaTroy Hawkins on March 26, while acting as the lone color commentator alongside Dick Bremer on March 27. Majority of the Spring Training games will pull in the audio from the radio feed of Kris Atteberry, Dan Gladden and Cory Provus.

The Bringer of Dance Moves

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Filed under the category of “things you love to see” was a video sent out by Minnesota Twins Communications Director, Dustin Morse, of Josh Donaldson dancing during morning workouts. Donaldson didn’t know he was being filmed until he turned around and saw Dustin standing there with his phone. Based on the slick dance moves, it appears Donaldson’s calves are in great shape.

Baldelli Feeling Optimistic

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In his introductory press conference, Rocco Baldelli didn’t shy away from the expectations that he is placing on the 2021 Minnesota Twins team. According to the manager, “We again have everything we could possibly want to go out there and win a World Series frankly.” It’s a long season, but setting clear goals and expectations for the team and fans alike sets the tone for what’s truly a World Series-contending season.

Hammond Stadium COVID-19 Precautions

In addition to Tuesday being the first full-squad day at Hammond Stadium, it was also the first time that the media was in attendance for Spring Training. One nugget that came out of this was a look into how Hammond Stadium will handle fans in attendance. With zip tied seats and drawn rectangles enforcing social distancing, it’s clear that the Minnesota Twins will be doing everything they can to provide a safe return for fans to the stadium. Expect the same precautions to be followed at Target Field this Spring when fans return as well.

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See Also:

The Twins Should Make Alex Kirilloff the Opening Day Left Fielder

Twins Daily 2021 Top Prospects: #3 Trevor Larnach

AL Central Rundown: Left Field

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