Twins’ Justin Morneau looking to shine in 2012 – MLB News
Minnesota Twins’ first baseman Justin Morneau is looking in terrific form these days. On Tuesday, he blasted two home runs while practicing at the Twins’ training facility. The reaction from about 50 fans, who were watching him workout at the sports complex, was quite extra ordinary as they jumped in the air to enjoy the moment. Morneau turned around to acknowledge their support by waving his hand.
The left handed striker has looked in commanding form since starting his pre-Spring Training practice sessions. Working with the Twins coaching staff, he is looking to raise his game to a higher level to help his team reach the playoffs this season. The Twins were quite ordinary in 2011 as they lost 99 games. It will not be wrong to say that Morneau’s knee, neck and wrist injuries played a key role in Twins’ failures.
There will be great amount of responsibility on his shoulders in 2012. To compensate for the games he missed last season, Morneau will be looking to stay health and fit the entire next season. In some ways, Morneau’s health is very important to the Twins as he has the ability to single handedly win games for his team.
"I think I've (homered) once when they were still telling us what was coming," Morneau said. "But I was more encouraged by the fact that I was able to react when we didn't know what was coming. That was the positive I'll take out of that, whether the ball goes over the fence or not. It's a bonus if it does."
"But to stand in there and react to a fastball - he was throwing pretty firm - I'll take the positives out of that and try to ignore the slider I missed by four feet."
It will be interesting to see if Morneau can live up to the expectations in 2012 to let the Twins make it to the World Series. Although he has looked in great touch during practice sessions, his real test will be to maintain his form during the regular season. The fans will also be waiting desperately to see the striker perform consistently.
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