It's time to rev up Sooze's engine and get her back into gear for the 2011 Twins baseball season. Only 24 days to go until it's actually here!

First thing's first: Justin Morneau played in an actual baseball game today. A real, live B Squad game in which he nailed a bases-loaded double during his second at bat. Yes, this is the Canadian Crusher we know and love. And miss a lot.

A few other things and people have changed since this offseason, and I'd like to hear some reactions and opinions from you guys. While change can be scary, it's generally a good thing. For instance, I know some folks will miss with all their hearts Nick Punto's headlong dives down the first baseline. I won't, but that's because I'm embracing this change. Besides, he probably won't suit up for the Cardinals until June anyway.

Some of you may be saddened to see Jesse Crain head to the South Side of Chicago, I guess. I'm sure you'll get over that soon. Jon Rauch has headed to the Blue Jays, Brian Fuentes (who we barely got to know) is with the A's now, and Matt Guerrier has moved leagues entirely to join the Dodgers.

Then there's the old middle infield: the double play combo of Orlando Hudson's nagging injuries and J.J. Hardy's dreamy blue eyes (and nagging injuries) have departed for the Padres and Orioles, respectively. I'm sure Alexi Casilla is pumped to be the starting short stop in 2011.

In with the old, out with the new, as they say. The biggest acquisition this season was Japanese batting champ infielder Tsuyoshi Nishioka, who signed on for three years and roughly $10 million back in December. Here's a post from Josh Q. Public, who is calling a Rookie of the Year award for the Twins spankin' new second baseman.

Jim Thome and Carl Pavano are back for another season, both big reasons the team was able to win the AL Central last year. While Jim Jam turned the big 4-0 last August, Pavano has shaved off the stache and turned 35. Hopefully age is but a number for those two.

Joe Mauer's been a busy guy lately, landing on the cover of MLB 11: The Show as well as a deal with Head and Shoulders to keep his hair and sideburns healthy and gorgeous. Read more about Man Muscles' adventures in this interview with Hugging Harold Reynolds.

That's all for now, but if you happen to speak Japanese, it would be nice if you could enlighten us as to what Nishioka is saying in this video. Otherwise, just enjoy his talent...