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This will be one of very few pictures…

Posted on February 19th, 2007 – 5:13 PM
By La Velle

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Just testing out the technology here. At this stage, this is a pain in my rear end to put up here. I need reps. Here’s Hammond Stadium being spruced up for spring games.

Like I said before, I’m not going to run from drill to drill with my cameraphone, taking pictures. But there will be a few.

Back to more important stuff…..

Sidney Ponson said he weighed 252 pounds the last time he got on a scale, and he’s confident that he’s lost some pounds since then as he prepares for Tuesday’s weigh-in. I doubt we’ll be able to get a number, but we’ll see. Honestly, I’m more interested in seeing what he’s got.

Ponson and pitching coach Rick Anderson were quite the couple coming out of the clubhouse this morning, with Andy doing most of the talking. Reminded me a little of 2002, when Andy verbally put an arm around LaTroy Hawkins, the first steps towards Hawkins’ makeover. 

Speaking of weights. Michael Cuddyer said he weighs around 220 and actually gained weight during last season to finish at 230. When it was pointed out that Joe Mauer has a tough time keeping weight on during the season, Cuddyer barked: “He needs to lift more weights!” before laughing.

Rondell White said he’s at 223 pounds and would like to drop eight more during spring training.

Terry Steinbach, down to work with the catchers for a few days, said he will run the dummy drill again this year. In that drill, the catcher anchors himself at home plate and takes a throw from the outfield while Steinie slings a tackling dummy at them. It’s supposed to somewhat simulate home plate collisions. Steine could always call Torii Hunter over if he needs realism….

Talked with Kevin Slowey, Twins pitching prospect. What a chatty, witty fellow (must be the Winthrop thing). While talking about his pitching style (not a lot of power, plenty of accuracy), he said: “You appreciate watching guys who can really locate, the Madduxes the Brad Radkes. At the same time you envy guys like Jesse (Crain) who can rare back and throw it by somebody. It’s something you can’t do but are able to watch.”
Crain overheard the comment and said: “Nice! He got me in there. That won’t be forgotten.”

See you Tuesday….

  

 

37 Responses to "This will be one of very few pictures…"

TwinsTerritory says:

February 19th, 2007 at 5:22 pm

“when Andy verbally put an arm around LaTroy Hawkins, the first steps towards Hawkins’ makeover. ”

Hopefully this will be another makeover and Ponson will be very succeful.

fargo says:

February 19th, 2007 at 5:34 pm

I love having this blog to go along with the Twins notes in the paper. Keep up the good work.

Chase Frye says:

February 19th, 2007 at 6:07 pm

I love this blog–it makes me even more excited to see spring training again this year. Keep it up.

Scott says:

February 19th, 2007 at 6:15 pm

Those of us freezing in Pennsylvania snow storm (Twins Territory - Eastern Rep.) appreciate the photo of the field; even if a rarity - thanks!

Mitch says:

February 19th, 2007 at 6:21 pm

I would love to see that dummy drill.

Jonathon says:

February 19th, 2007 at 7:35 pm

Great work again La Velle. It’s my homepage and I check it throughout the day for updates.

PC says:

February 19th, 2007 at 8:14 pm

Love that you’re blogging about the Twins. This is an everyday must-read for the rest of the season!

David says:

February 19th, 2007 at 8:40 pm

Two-a-days! Excellent! Keep it up LEN3 and thanks!

-BigTicketFan

A.J. Pierzynski says:

February 19th, 2007 at 8:50 pm

I wish I was there~!!

Roy says:

February 19th, 2007 at 11:12 pm

Back in the late 90’s I worked for the Orioles when Sidney pitched for them. The important thing to note about Sid’s weight is that he’s always been a bigger guy and despite that fact he’s had some success during his career (albeit not lately).

I look for Sid to be a solid #4 or #5 guy for us.

Diamond Cutter says:

February 20th, 2007 at 9:04 am

It’s great to see you have a blog up now. I’m looking forward to it!

Hopefully Anderson is able to work some magic with Ramon Ortiz too. I’m still very uneasy about this singing as it’s a lot of money to give to a pitcher who last season had an ERA up near six…in the NL…in a home pitcher’s park. Ugh.

Tim says:

February 20th, 2007 at 9:28 am

LEN3, you rock! Thanks for blogging the nuances of spring training for the Twins. I’m tuned in and ready for the season.
Tim

Hoover says:

February 20th, 2007 at 12:22 pm

Good Job La Velle! I hope Slowey and the other young guys get a fair shot this spring. I prefer youth over washed up vets.

Nate Diggity says:

February 20th, 2007 at 1:06 pm

I hope Anderson can be the Magic Man once again for Ortiz and Ponson. If not, I guess there’s plenty of young talent that could be utilized.

This teams seems quite loose and jovial, like many of the recent Twins teams of old (the Koskie, Hunter, Guardado, Mienkeweitzerholdenblaurobin, etc. crew). Is this team rare in majors, or are most teams joking around a lot?

AJ says:

February 20th, 2007 at 7:21 pm

Thanks for the picture! Just discovered this blog today and will be checking it daily. My daughter, parents and i will be there Saturday to watch the Twins practice. Can’t wait to get back to Hammond field! Keep up the Good Work! Thank you

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