I don't mean to rub it in, but we've had a run of good weather down here for spring training. Today might have been the best of them all.
The Twins hit the sun-splashed fields at the Lee County Sports Complex for their first full squad workout of 2011 as a record number of reporters looked on. (I'm sayin' it was a record although there's no way to prove it)..
All eyes were on infielder Tsuyoshi Nishioka, who worked out with his team for the first time. The man has some skill. His hands are quick. The exchange from glove to hand is exceptional. His arm is acceptable, clearly not as strong as Alexi Casilla's or Trevor Plouffe's.
During batting practice, Nishioka showed a very smooth, easy swing. He's not going to try to hit home runs, which should help him in Target Field.
Nishioka, through interpreter Ryo Shinkawa, said communication with Casilla went well. He was asked if he'll have to learn Spanish as well as English.
``Hopefully we will make our own language together,"' Nishioka said.
Other highlights:
A ball thrown by catcher Rene Rivera deflected off a screen and hit Nick Blackburn in the face, but he's fine. Blackburn was hit in the head with a line drive once and bounced back.
