The big question for the Twins in March was the left side of the infield. Miguel Sano turned out to be adequate at third before getting hurt. Eduardo Escobar was exceptional there, once Sano was hurt. The major pleasant surprise was Jorge Polanco at shortstop.

Once he joined the awful Twins of last season, manager Paul Molitor put Polanco at shortstop … more out of desperation than a belief he could be an everyday player at baseball's second-toughest position (behind catcher).

The Twins decided to go with Polanco at shortstop to start spring training. Some of the old problems still existed — getting rid of the ball, then responding by booting the ball while being anxious.

"You're not going to play much better in the field without a capable shortstop," Molitor said. "We're all proud of what Jorge did this season.''

One of those being, he helped his manager get a new three-year contract.

PATRICK REUSSE