Quick Notes: Feb. 12

Right when I go and figure the Twins are done making moves, they go and make a move. However, it's not a move to get terribly excited about.

The Twins claimed outfielder Darin Mastroianni off waivers from the Toronto Blue Jays. This looks like it's mostly a minor league filler move. One has to be skeptical about claiming players off waivers -- after all, there's a reason he was put on waivers in the first place.

In order to make room on the 40-man roster, they designated RHP Esmerling Vasquez for assignment -- which means they have to trade him or pass him through waivers and put him on the minor league roster. The Twins claimed Vasquez off waivers at the end of last season.

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It looks like I might have to make sure my injury paper doll machine is fully tuned up early in the 2012 season.

Luke Hughes sprained his shoulder in a home plate collision during an Australian Winter League game. He's been shut down 3-4 weeks. Which is kind of too bad, because his team, the Perth Heat, went on to win the Australian Baseball League championship, and he had to miss it.

I'll refrain from creating a paper doll for him for now. He's not due to miss much playing time during Spring Training, so he doesn't need one yet. However, if he, baseball gods forbid, suffers a setback or he doesn't heal as expected, I'll be on top of it.

Just a note to the players for anyone who is unclear: Having an injury paper doll is a bad thing. Continued good health is the goal here.

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Spring Training is very close. The equipment truck has been loaded and is headed to Fort Myers. It's such a big task that everyone needs to lend a hand -- even TC the mascot:

http://www.twitvid.com/5T7QZ[/media]

Very exciting!