2015 Hammond Happenings

[Halsey Hall]

I thought I'd post this to keep you up to date on what I've observed down here at Hammond Stadium, or as the signs everywhere read "Century Link Sports Complex". 

 

The work on the stadium continues.  I was told around the 1st of the year that it would be open on Feb 1st, but not to be.  Feb 22nd is now the date for the ribbon cutting.  Things seem to drag on in the south.  The dorms and all that work is completed down the other end, and it looks fantastic.  I talked with a guy today that just toured it and he said it's almost unimaginable.  Us peons can't get it to see it.  This fellow told us the theatre has leather seats, larger than normal, as these kids are big, with Twins stuff on each seat.  The dorm holds 108 players, 54 rooms.  Each room is numbered 1 thru 54, and in each room is a placard with the all the Twins players that had worn that number.  Cool!  Julio Becquer's picture was hanging right next to Harmon's and Julio was quite happy about that. 

 

The dorm had rehab players in it when I got here, but on Jan 19th was open to anyone who wanted to come early and get a free room and 3 squares a day, providing they worked out.  Quite a few took advantage of that including Levi Michael. 

 

The players work out every weekday, and have been since I've been here just before the first of the year.  There were about 15 here at that time.   A few others live in the area and come as they please, like Gibson, Chris Hermann and Alex Wimmers.  Gibson shows up around 7:30 and throws the football around with Wimmers or Travis Harrison.  He did throw off the mound last week.  Since the 19th there's been more here of course and working out. 

 

Perry Castillano works these guys hard on Perry's Hill.  That's all new this year and so I've seen drills I've never seen before.  And one thing Perry is doing this year is having a competition between the players.  One drill last week was a kick to watch.  There were around 8 guys on each of 2 teams.  On the bottom of each side of the hill were about 8 cones lined up horizontally to the hill.  Perry stood on top.  On his signal one player on each team would then run from one end of the cones to the other, back and forth a few times, finally hitting the center cones and sprinting up the hill.  There they grabbed a jump rope and had to jump 25 times.  The first to finish got his team one point.  They went through this rotation at least twice per player. Of course there was alot of cheering for their teammates on each run.  One player was so fast at jumping rope I couldn't even see the rope.  He must of done 25 in less than 10 seconds and I saw him do it twice.

 

The same day they did another drill in a sand pit next to the hill.  Cones near each end of the pit, and teams facing each other in the center, one guy at a time,  they had to run to one end, back to the other, back and forth a few times, and ending at the starting point in the center.  There was alot of falling down in the soft sand, and quite a few dives to try to eak out a win.  A win was a point for that team.  When it ended the losing team each had to do 50 sit-ups.  As Perry explained to one of the players while I was standing there, without the competition the guys put out about 85%. but with it, 100.  Good idea, Perry!

 

I'll post this and add more in a bit. 

[JB_Iowa]

Fantastic, Halsey.  We in the frozen north need a taste of spring,  Thanks.

 

Maybe you can update by editing so people can still comment without your observations getting lost?

[Halsey Hall]

Good idea JB, but there's no edit button, so maybe if there's a reply it disappears.  So back at it. 

 

The rehab pitchers work out together and are on fields running etc, but to use the half field for drills.  Joel Lepel and Tommy Watkins hit ground balls to them, as they shift from on position to another, from the mound to first, second, short and third.  All scenerios are played out, from routine throws from the mound to first, to eveything imagineable, squeeze plays, double plays, man on third with one out, etc.  As always has been, they drill the fundaments down here. 

 

The infielders also do their drills on the half field every day.  Alot I have no idea of their names but some are:  Tyree Davis, Jorge Fernandez, tyler Grimes, Amaurys Minier, along with Eddie Roserio, Levi Michael, and Chris Hermann.  Some from the Dominican went home this week for two weeks til they get back.  Vargas has been working out in the weight room but hasn't been on the fields yet.  No sigh on Sano yet. 

 

This week they finally started taking batting practice, with Lepel and Watkins throwing.  That's always fun to watch.  Not much power here, but Travis Harrison and Chris Hermann managed to lose some over the fence. 

 

Wimmers threw this morning to Liam Hendriks under the watchful eye fo Rasmasson.

 

Ruesse is here and interviewed Neal Allen, and there where alot of laughs going on over there, as I'm sure many stories were exchanged. 

 

I thought Perkins, Plouffe and Duensing would be around but haven't seen them  I also though Pelfrey might be here, but no sign of any major leaguers 'cept for Gibson so far.  They should be trickling in any time though.  Torii, I heard was coming on the 4th. 

 

I do get tidbits of info from reliable sources here, there's a couple of things that kind of troubled me.  I really liked Gary Lucas and couldn't understand the organization letting him go.  But supposedly, the Twins minor leagues were last in strikeout later in the season last year and all the pitching coaches from the minors were brought together and told we needed more strikeouts, throw heat.  But Gary objected with the change in philosphy, and that sealed his fate.  I also heard the last couple of years the Twins want to draft tall pitchers that can bring high heat.  Looks like they been doing that.  

 

Another thing that is unsettling is that Oliva and Carew were told during spring training last year not to give any hitting instructions any more.  Tony was really PO'd about that.  Interesting that Hicks is working with Carew,  but then I can see Rod blowing it off. 

[Halsey Hall]

Fantastic, Halsey.  We in the frozen north need a taste of spring,  Thanks.

 

Maybe you can update by editing so people can still comment without your observations getting lost?

Oops, found the edit button. 

[Seth Stohs]

This is wonderful! Keep the updates coming! The four Twins Daily writers will each be down in Ft. Myers again for a week of spring training each, but we won't be there until the 2nd week of March. At that point, we'll be writing all kinds of updates.

[Shane Wahl]

Thank you so much for this. It is the kind of priceless commentary I like from Fort Myers right now. Keep it up, please!

[Squirrel]

Oops, found the edit button. 

Halsey, great stuff!  I'm excited to be down there next week and will hopefully stop by.  When you have new comments, post new comments, don't edit.  That way the thread gets bumped up and we all know when something new has been posted!  Maybe stick a date at the beginning of the post like 'From Feb. 4' so it makes it stand out a bit more.  Thanks for doing this!  I think we are all getting antsy for the season to begin! 

[HitInAPinch]

I've always dreamed of spending time down south and catching spring training games.  sigh.......

So here I am, getting my baseball fix from others again.    How does Wimmers look?  I've read he's fully recovered from TJ surgery and have watched a video of him pitching from 7/26/2014.  He looks good.

 

Thanks for the update Halsey!

[Halsey Hall]

Wednesday at the park.  I got there before 9 and there were many more players working out already.  I went down to where the pitchers were throwing.  There was at least 20 on the field and more in the weight room.  New today were Alex Meyer, and Presley, and rule 5 pick J. R. Graham, who also threw off the mound today along with Liam Hendriks.  I had to leave for a meeting after 45 minutes but was told Presley was taking the mound also.  There sure is a bunch of faces I don't recognize. 

 

Went back after the meeting (which was in the offices right beyond the left field fence of the main stadium, close) and batting practice was going on.  One friend said he saw Hughes and thought maybe Perkins there.  More fundamentals on the half field of course today. 

 

I wandered over to Perry's hill where Perry was playing catch with Vargas with a football.  Funny seeing a guy who'd never thrown a football before try to do that.  Perry showed him how, but Kennys just couldn't catch on.  Afterwards he came over and greeted us all and talked a bit.  Really a nice guy.  Looks really in shape and lighter than last year.  Off to the side was that auto hound Roberts from previous post and Kennys signed 4 bats and 3 balls for him.  Brooks Robinson is doing a fantasy camp in Ft Myers, so he probably headed over there. 

 

I've watched Roserio alot, and he's just plain lazy.  A drill one day Tommy Watkins had them do was fielding ground balls and if they missed they had to do 50 pushups.  Minier was the first to miss and got out of the way and did his 50.  Roserio had an error and dropped down and did his 50 - but he counted by 5's.  Later on he got hollered at by Lepel for not hustling back to his position during the drills.  "that's not the way it's done in the majors".  Didn't speed up Roserio though.  But he has the softest hands fielding and very quick hands with the bat.  There's alot of talent there, but he's just hurting himself by not hustling. 

 

I did ask about Wimmers today and was told he's fully recovered and fine.  I'm hoping there's still a chance for him. 

[crapforks]

I had no idea that Hendricks was back with the team.

[JB_Iowa]

He's supposed to be with the Jaya

 

http://www.rotoworld.com/player/mlb/6596/liam-hendriks

 

 

so maybe Halsey had a senior moment (or matched up an old uni number) or maybe there is something else going on.

 

Lots of guys to try to recognize.

 

CBS also has him with the Blue Jays.

 

I can't find anything about them trading him or cutting him but who knowa.

[Halsey Hall]

Hendriks is with the Jays.  He lives down here so works out here until it's time to report. 

[NoCryingInBaseball]

By all means Halsey...Please keep posting the updates. Your observations are fun to read!

[JB_Iowa]

Not really on point but totally cool with a John Gordon connection. Specially for ChiTown:

 

http://www.news-press.com/story/entertainment/2015/02/05/symphony-musician-hit-baseball-bat-violin/22944833/

[Shane Wahl]

Hendriks is with the Jays.  He lives down here so works out here until it's time to report. 

 

What?? Isn't that, like, weird? How many players from other orgs are around, then?

 

Anyway, I find the comments about Rosario interesting. What the hell? The guy is oh so close to getting there and yet he can't see the value in showing some effort? Even playing as a kid I never understood those few teammates who didn't hustle and moreso were *clearly* lazy as hell.

[Jeremy Nygaard]

What?? Isn't that, like, weird? How many players from other orgs are around, then?

 

Anyway, I find the comments about Rosario interesting. What the hell? The guy is oh so close to getting there and yet he can't see the value in showing some effort? Even playing as a kid I never understood those few teammates who didn't hustle and moreso were *clearly* lazy as hell.

 

I like Rosario as a player... but, man, his "intangibles" are about a 5 on the 20-80 scale.

[NoCryingInBaseball]

Halsey, any more updates? Here in the North Country we are hungry for sightings, descriptions and stories about the pre-Spring Training happenings. Loved your reports last week, but it made me hungry for more….

[Halsey Hall]

Halsey, any more updates? Here in the North Country we are hungry for sightings, descriptions and stories about the pre-Spring Training happenings. Loved your reports last week, but it made me hungry for more….

Not much goes on during the weekends, as they have off.  But yesterday Phil Hughes and Glen Perkins did come out and throw for a little bit.  No sense going over today, as usually no action on sundays til reporting date.  I expect tommorrow will be a busy day though. 

 

The ticket office and a small gift shop did open yesterday. 

[Parker Hageman]

come early and get a free room and 3 squares a day

 

 

First, thanks for the updates Halsey. Great stuff and insight. I can almost feel the warmth of the Florida sun. Second, do you know if it is "free"? I know some organizations charge for some things. Not sure if the Twins had decided on that or not.

[jokin]

Not much goes on during the weekends, as they have off.  But yesterday Phil Hughes and Glen Perkins did come out and throw for a little bit.  No sense going over today, as usually no action on sundays til reporting date.  I expect tommorrow will be a busy day though. 

 

The ticket office and a small gift shop did open yesterday. 

 

Any catcher sightings, yet?  Specifically for me, Josmil Pinto?

[Halsey Hall]

Parker, it's free I've been told by several.  Jokin - not much here for catchers yet.  I'll go tommorrow for awhile, got a meeting at noon, but should be 40 guys or more here in the morning. 

[USNMCPO]

Halsey, thanks for the updates. They are greatly appreciated.

[Halsey Hall]

Monday, Feb 9th.  Nice sunshine this morning but it quickly clouded up as I went to the park.  I wonder what time they start now, must be way before 9.  Roserio and that bunch were working on Perry's Hill, about 15 pitchers working on fielding drills on the half diamond, another group out in the outfield on Field 3, and some pitchers thowing on 1, and then going over towards 3.  Then the rains came and everyone headed inside and things were cut short today.  Some were hitting in the cages. 

 

When there's a Bentley around with Texas plates, you know who's here.  I got wind of Tommy Watkins and Torii headed for the dorms, so headed that way with a couple of friends who had stuck around.  Sure 'nuff, out they came.  Torii was catching up with old grounds crew friends he hadn't seen since here and then we greeted him.  The guys always got this big ol' infectous smile!  So we chatted a bit, and he signed a few things.  Luckily I had a ball in my pocket.  Gosh, he either grew a few inches since I last saw him, or I've shrunk a bit.  One gal with us didn't have anything to sign, (she gets stuff for a gal who's got ALS and uses it for charity auctions) so she mentioned that to him and asked if there was anything he could tell her.  Torii said something to the effect "Just trust in God", that's all I can say. 

 

I have no idea how Torii will do this year, but it's just nice to have him around, and it was so nice seeing him here again. 

 

Oh, J.R. Graham did throw a pen by us, and Alex Meyer threw one in the pen between fields 1 and 2. 

[NoCryingInBaseball]

Great report Halsey!

[diehardtwinsfan]

Loving this thread.  With 3 square a day and free housing, I'd think any minor leaguer would be all over that.  They don't get paid much, get a head start, and keep themselves in the good graces of the front office.  No brainer. 

[Seth Stohs]

Picture tweeted from the Ft. Myers Miracle account... of some Batting Practice on a back field. 

[Halsey Hall]

The photo was of the second group to take bp.  I noticed how Harrison only uses his upper body and it's all arms.  Was told he's ok though. 

 

The first group was Fryer, Vargas, Hermann and Hunter.  It took Torii all of about 3 minutes to start giving advice, first to Fryer, and then he worked with Vargas alot.  Mostly about his cocked position and holding it, not getting out in front of the ball.  He continued to show him things when the took the outfield.  Torii will be worth his weight in gold just for the help he'll give to others and the tickets that will sell to come see him. 

 

About 30 people out here this morning as the word of Hunter being here brings them out of the woodwork.  Next week there'll be hundreds.  And Torii will be the main attraction as people say "Joe who?". 

[Squirrel]

Halsey, about when do people start working out and practicing? I might be able to stop by tomorrow or Thursday depending on my parents.

[Halsey Hall]

When I get there around 9 they are already working out, but it lasts til around 11:30, with batting practice the last thing before they take a lunch break.  Maybe see you over there!

[Squirrel]

Lunch break? Do any come back in the afternoon for more?