The Bleacher Bums: February 2006 Archive

Time to report

Posted at 10:27 AM on February 17, 2006 by Ben Tesch

Pitchers and catchers report to Fort Myers in two days. Start stretching.

Are you tired of stories about bullpens and sideburns yet?

Posted at 3:47 PM on February 23, 2006 by Ben Tesch

Me too. I think we all get the idea that the Twins bullpen is different, and for the first time in a while, not completely figured out. A bunch of new (but old) faces are fighting to turn their minor league contracts into major league ones. Anything you see in any of the contenders that would make you pick one over the other? Would you bring up the blue chippers right away and keep the old guys in storage until you needed them?

I might actually lean towards sticking with as many of the older guys as possible... might as well use 'em while you can. Plus, I love crafty guys who just know how to get people out. Let the young guys work on stuff in the minors and bring them up when the old guys break or wear down. Thoughts?

Flyover states and dark horses

Posted at 10:51 AM on February 27, 2006 by Ben Tesch

Jerry Crasnick of ESPN.com thinks the Twins and Brewers are ready to surprise people this season. The Brewers have a nice core of young arms and bats, and they made it up to .500 for the first time since 1992.

Guess why the Twins are sleepers? Take a wild guess. Here's a hint: it ends in "itching" and starts with a "p". If things don't start going so well, that "p" might turn into a "b" by August.

Chief exports of the Twins

Posted at 1:08 PM on February 28, 2006 by Ben Tesch

Only 2 days to go before the international infighting stops, injuries magically appear (or disappear), and the World Baseball Classic begins! I'm still having trouble getting around who in the world (pardon the pun) might be able to beat the Dominican Republic, but I'll guess we'll see what happens.

Or maybe we won't see what happens, since you either have to a) pay $10 to watch on the Web, b) get ESPN Deportes, or c) become a night owl by watching tape delays at 2:30 in the morning on ESPN 2.

If you want to keep a lookout for Twins players (and spring training invitees), here's who's playing and whom they're playing for:

• Luis Castillo (Venezuela)
  
• Juan Castro (Mexico)
  
• Jesse Crain (Canada)
  
• Francisco Liriano (Dominican Republic)
  
• Justin Morneau (Canada)
  
• Joe Nathan (United States)
  
• Dennys Reyes (Mexico)
  
• Juan Rincon (Venezuela)
  
• Luis Rodriguez (Venezuela)
  
• Johan Santana (Venezuela)
  
• Glenn Williams (Australia)
  

Jesse Crain was selected by Canada even though he only lived there for a few months right after he was born. Also, the only kid born in Minnesota who's playing in the Classic? Chris Reitsma. Born in Minneapolis in 1977 and playing for Canada. (Begin Mel Allen impersonation) How about that! (End Mel Allen impersonation)