Morneau arrives; Nishioka vows improvement ... or else

Justin Morneau reported to Hammond Field this morning but said he wouldn't talk until Friday.

Here are two things that should move this "story" along:

1. Morneau has told Twins officials that he feels really good.

2. Morneau has to be cleared by Major League Baseball before he can play. This is expected to be only a formality, as the Twins this week have submitted the necessary paperwork with MLB.

NISHI'S FUTURE

Tsuyoshi Nishioka spoke with reporters this morning, repeating much of what he told me a few days ago about feeling better and being more comfortable here in his second season.

But he did throw out one interesting comment when asked about his confidence going into this year.

When pressed for clarification, he added: ``There's no really deep meaning to it."

There might be something lost in the translation here. But Nishioka clearly indicated that there's sense of urgency this season.

THE "U"

As I left the ballpark last night, luxury cruiser entered the complex with a police escort. It was the University of Miami baseball team, which played Florida Gulf Coast University last night at Hammond Stadium.

Hurricanes Alum Danny Valencia, of course. was at the game.

``That's how we roll at Miami," Valencia boasted.

Ugh.