MLB Update: Tsuyoshi Nishioka gets to smile at a press conference in Target Field
The Minnesota Twins are looking at a good year ahead. That is what the management thinks at the moment. New player Tsuyoshi Nishioka has become part of the Minnesota Twins campaign to lead their credentials to the playoffs with pace, next season. The team
has put a lot of faith in the Japanese shortstop and is looking to create a lot of chances in the batting line up. Alexi Casilla, who will also be part of the club’s bid to make a difference in the coming year, is expected to head the charge in speed.
Nishioka signed on with the Twins, last week and his addition to the side has been categorized as an important move towards restructuring the roster’s strength in the American League. Manager Ron Gardenhire needs more power at the helm and it is interesting
to note how Tsuyoshi will fit in to the line up. It’s believed that Orlando Hudson may well be out of the team on a new deal and speculation has driven the belief to see the Japanese native start in the vacant position.
Twins general manager Bill Smith was present at the press conference at Target Field. He passed a few comments on the new inductee, who was taking much help from his interpreter, David Yamamato. Nishioka introduced himself to the press and followed up the
gesture with a smile. The new player will need to work with the snow that has tarnished his free time in Minnesota and the Target Field. He and his wife will need time to adapt to the change.
"We're very proud that we are a regional team and now we look forward to being more of an international team," Bill Smith said. "We're excited to have Tsuyoshi join our ballclub and we look forward to him being, hopefully, a big part of continuing the success
that we've had as a team."
Manager Gardenhire however wants to see the new man in action, as soon as possible. The gaffer wasn’t shy of stating a couple of things on Tsuyoshi.
"I want to see how he turns a double play with his arm strength and his footwork, and seeing what (position) I think looks most comfortable for him," Ron Gardenhire said. "He's got Gold Gloves, so I think he can catch the ball. Now, I want to just see what
works and what it looks like with hopefully those two guys. I would love to see Alexi Casilla be the other side of it. I'll have a lot of speed up in the middle, a lot of slap and run guys."
Tags: