Times wires
Monday, February 21, 2011
FORT MYERS — When it comes to his concussion, Justin Morneau is getting out of the predicting business.
He has tried to set benchmarks and barometers before only to become frustrated when those came and went without the progress he wanted to see.
He was injured in Toronto on July 7 and, at first, figured he'd be back by the All-Star Game. Then it was September. Finally, when he wasn't able to play in the postseason, the Twins first baseman finally started to come to grips with the fact that recovery from this injury was out of his control.
"There was the goal of the playoffs, and there was the goal of all the rest of it, but it's been a battle all winter," Morneau said Monday, a day before Twins position players were due to report for spring training. "We've done everything, I think, possible to try and take care of this thing and be ready. But whenever it's ready, it's ready."
More than seven months after he was injured while sliding into second base, Morneau said he is feeling better. He has resumed baseball activities but still feels a few lingering symptoms. He will likely miss the first four or five exhibition games as he eases his way back into things and still hopes to be ready for opening day April 1.
He still feels a little foggy on occasion after a strenuous workout, which is why he isn't speaking in absolutes when it comes to his timeline anymore.
"Wouldn't say it's 100 percent yet, but I think it's as close as I can get," Morneau said. "It's just trying to get over that final hump."
Doctors have yet to clear him for full game activity, but he is able to face live pitching in batting practice.
In other Twins news, left-hander Francisco Liriano's shoulder problems this spring resulted from his failure to follow the team's offseason exercise program, pitching coach Rick Anderson told the Minneapolis Star-Tribune. An MRI exam showed no structural damage.
BRAVES EXTEND GM: After putting together a roster that returned the Braves to the playoffs, general manager Frank Wren was rewarded with a two-year contract extension that keeps him in Atlanta through the 2013 season. The agreement means Wren and new manager Fredi Gonzalez are signed for the next three years.
CARDINALS: Right-hander Adam Wainwright will pitch in the spring training opener Monday against the Marlins, putting the NL Cy Young Award runnerup in line to start the March 31 opener against the Padres.
CUBS: Manager Mike Quade named right-hander Ryan Dempster his opening day starter, breaking a streak of six opening day assignments by right-hander Carlos Zambrano.
RANGERS: Third baseman Adrian Beltre has a mild calf strain, limiting him in running drills.