Notes: Liriano feels good in first start

03/01/2006
FORT MYERS, Fla. -- Left-hander Francisco Liriano didn't have his best command, but got through two innings unscathed against Concordia University on Wednesday morning.
For a first spring outing, Liriano will take it.
"It was kind of weird being out there," Liriano said. "I hadn't pitched to a hitter since September last year."
Liriano will use Wednesday's outing as a springboard to the World Baseball Classic. He'll leave the Twins to pitch for the Dominican Republic.
"I think I'm ready for it," Liriano said. "My slider wasn't very good today. I'm working on it. I probably threw five or six sliders."
Twins manager Ron Gardenhire was just happy to see Liriano get in his two innings as Minnesota prevailed, 2-0, in six innings.
"He was missing the plate a little bit, but he was throwing the [heck] out of the ball," Gardenhire said.
Bouncing back: There are no givens, but Gardenhire emphasized Wednesday that first baseman Justin Morneau has put in the work to have a strong comeback season.
Morneau hit just .239 in 141 games last year.
"He has come down here and really worked hard," Gardenhire said. "He has a program every morning at 7:30. He has shortened his stride and is using his hands a lot better.
"He got out of whack [last year] and once he did that, he had a hard time getting back to where he was consistent."
Morneau will leave the Twins' camp to play for Canada in the World Baseball Classic.
Around the horn: The Twins are encouraged that right-hander Juan Rincon doesn't appear to have any arm issues. "He threw off the mound today and we'll see if he has any soreness tomorrow," Gardenhire said. "He has been throwing long toss free and easy." ... With the intense competition for jobs, there has been an overall serious atmosphere in the Twins camp. "We were talking about it the other day in our 'good morning' drills," Gardenhire said. "Normally, there's some joking around and laughing. But there are some guys locked in right here. They know that not many jobs are open." ... The Twins have set their starting pitching for the opening four Grapefruit League games, including the split-squad games on Saturday. It'll be Johan Santana on Thursday versus Boston, Brad Radke on Friday against Cincinnati, Scott Baker on Saturday against Tampa Bay and Boof Bonser on Saturday versus Cleveland.

Source: http://minnesota.twins.mlb.com/

Stingy Twins rotation in control

03/01/2006
FORT MYERS, Fla. -- They are poised, polished and seemingly always in control.
For the Twins pitching staff, control is the operative word. Want to get on base against Minnesota? You'd better be ready to swing the bat. Wishing and hoping for a walk generally gets you a one-way ticket back to the dugout.
Last year, with starters Carlos Silva and Brad Radke setting the tone, the Twins led the Major Leagues in fewest walks with 348. It wasn't even close. Cleveland was second with 413 walks and the Astros and Red Sox were tied for third with 440 walks.
There's nothing to indicate the Twins won't blow the competition away again in the fewest walks category, especially with Minnesota pitchers taking their cues from longtime control guru Radke.
"This organization really stresses not walking guys," Radke said. "I think that as a staff, we've sort of been able to feed off each other in that regard. You learn. I know that when I walk guys, most of the time they are going to score."
Silva led the league in fewest walks per nine innings (0.4) last year, finishing with just nine walks in 188 1/3 innings. Radke surrendered just 23 walks in 200 2/3 innings and Johan Santana and Kyle Lohse had 45 and 44 walks in 231 2/3 innings and 178 2/3 innings, respectively.
"I always try to be around the plate," Radke said. "Sometimes, it backfires. There are times, depending on the situation, where you might want to be a little more off the plate and a little more careful. But for the most part, we're about putting our defense to work.
"The organization wants you to throw the ball around the plate so hitters put the ball in play and our defense has a chance to do its job."
Silva was on pace to set a record for fewest walks per nine innings late in the 2005 season. Giving up a few singles doesn't bother him because he's so confident he can get a double-play ball with a well-located sinker.
"As the season progressed, it was like, 'Holy cow.' Carlos has such a nasty sinker and throws so many ground balls that he can be really confident about making the hitters put the ball in play," Radke said.
Outstanding control can help a ballclub in many ways. One short-term effect is that fielders are always on their toes and generally less likely to make an error when the ball comes their way. By avoiding walks, pitchers generally throw fewer pitches, which lessens the chances of injury or fatigue through the grind of a long season.
"A lot of times, when a pitcher has a history of good control, the hitters will come up really revved to hit the first pitch," Radke said. "Sometimes that works out for them and sometimes it doesn't. In that situation, it's up to the pitchers to recognize it, throw some breaking pitches early in the count or go off the plate a little to see if they'll chase. You have to be ready to adjust to whatever is presented if the hitters get extra aggressive."
Radke said Santana is a special pitcher because he has extraordinary stuff coupled with control.
"He's amazing because he overpowers guys and still has finesse, too," Radke said.
Lohse, though he hasn't gained the overall prominence of the aforementioned three, takes the mound with a similar attack-the-hitter mentality. And there's every indication that Scott Baker, Francisco Liriano and the other quality young arms on the Twins staff will fall in line with the control theme as their careers unfold.
"Keep guys off the bases by limiting walks and you really give yourself a chance," Radke said. "Guys are going to get hits. But if you limit those free passes, they have to work a lot harder to put up runs."

Source: http://minnesota.twins.mlb.com/

Castillo likely to skip Classic

03/01/2006
FORT MYERS, Fla. -- After saying prior to Wednesday's workout that he won't play in the World Baseball Classic, Twins' second baseman Luis Castillo left the door slightly ajar after practice. Castillo said he is leaning toward not playing for the Dominican Republic, but will talk with Dominican officials once more before a decision becomes final.
"That's the way I feel now [that he doesn't want to leave Twins camp], but I have to talk to the general manager of the Dominican team," Castillo said.
Castillo talked early in the day about the advantages of staying in the Minnesota camp.
"For me, it's better to stay here," Castillo said.
The Dominican team already has Alfonso Soriano on the roster at second base and Castillo said wants to concentrate on getting acclimated to his new situation with Minnesota after being acquired from the Florida Marlins.
"I want to work hard and be ready for the season," Castillo said. "I don't want to have any problem for the season."
Castillo was a three-time All-Star with the Marlins and won his third consecutive Gold Glove last season. He had expressed to manager Ron Gardenhire on Tuesday that he was undecided on whether to play in the Classic.

Source: http://minnesota.twins.mlb.com/

Notes: Santana leaves ready

03/02/2006
FORT MYERS, Fla. -- Warning to any of the hitters preparing to play in the World Baseball Classic -- Johan Santana is ready.
Sure it was after only one outing where he didn't have perfect command of his pitches, but following his first start this spring Thursday night, Santana said he feels stronger than he can remember.
"At this point of the season compared to a couple of seasons ago, I feel much better," Santana said after pitching two scoreless innings in the 6-2 Twins victory. "Knowing that we had the [Classic] coming up, I was working out a little more this offseason, so I feel pretty good."
In his only outing with the Twins before heading off to Venezuela's camp, Santana threw 35 pitches. He held the Red Sox scoreless, but gave up two walks while striking out three and allowing only one hit. The command of his pitches wasn't as strong as he would have liked, but that's not unusual.
Spring Training is generally the time when pitchers work to find that certain pitch or have to develop velocity. For Santana it has always been his comfort level with the changeup. Just like fellow teammate Joe Nathan, who has his own concerns about the velocity of his pitches, Santana usually likes a little time to adjust to throwing his trademark pitch. Though he hasn't had as much practice as he would normally like, Santana said there were some positives he saw in his first outing.
"The good thing about it is that they were down," Santana said. "Even though they hit the ground or [were] kind of wild pitches a little, you want to see the changeup down and the slider, too."
Seeing the increased number of changeups and sliders thrown by Santana wasn't a surprise to manager Ron Gardenhire, who expected that with Santana having to prepare for the event. But the concern comes with whether the early progression will be a good thing or a bad thing later on in the season -- or even during the competition.
"All we are hoping is he doesn't hurt himself, because it's not the normal progression for him," Gardenhire said.
As for concerns he will do something to his arm with the added pressure, Santana feels confident that won't happen.
"I know what I'm doing," Santana said. "I know where I am. You might have to put a little extra [on a pitch] because you'll be in game situation where you have to win. But most players will be in the same situation. All of them don't want to overdo things and hurt themselves."
Thursday was the last time the Twins will see Santana for what he hopes will be until near the end of March as he leaves on Friday for camp in Clearwater, Fla. The finals for the World Baseball Classic are being staged in San Diego on March 18-20.
"There are a lot of expectations in our team and that's good to have," Santana said of his country. "Hopefully if all goes right for our team, we do the best we can to win."
Guess who's back: It didn't take long for Torii Hunter to show there wouldn't be any rust from his long layoff.
On the first pitch, in his first at-bat since the season-ending injury last July, Hunter launched a towering home run over the left-field wall.
Welcome back Torii.
"That was pretty fun to see," Gardenhire said of Hunter's homer. "He even said afterward that he surprised himself."
The welcome wagon was out for Hunter in full force long before the spectacular shot. The outfielder garnered two loud ovations: first, when he took to the field, and then when he stepped to the plate.
It had been nearly seven months since Hunter had seen action in an actual game. On Thursday, he played the outfield for three innings and had two at-bats, going 1-for-2.
Before the game, Hunter insisted it wasn't results that he was concerned with but rather finally getting to see game action again.
"I want to hit the ball and I want to get at-bats," Hunter said. "The results really don't matter to me."
Hunter said that in terms of his running ability, he was only going to go about 75 percent in his first game. The test in the outfield wasn't as much as Hunter may have wanted with no balls hit to center field, but it's just the kind of outing that helped him test the ankle a bit. Even before the game, Hunter acknowledged he would likely feel the effects of his first game action Friday.
"When you're running a lot in the outfield or on the base paths in games, you're going to be sore," Hunter said. "When I do more than I usually then it's sore but every time it gets sore, it's getting stronger."
More additions: The Twins clubhouse was a little quieter after the game with five players having left Spring Training for their respective countries' camps in the World Baseball Classic.
But the good news for the team is that it shouldn't be getting any quieter.
Luis Castillo confirmed he will not be leaving to play for the Dominican Republic. Castillo was told he would be backing up Alfonso Soriano at second base, and that played a big role in his decision.
The team will also be keeping Luis Rodriguez around, as he turned down the opportunity to play for Venezuela. Rodriguez learned he would have more of a platoon role, and figured it would be more beneficial to stay in Twins camp and fight for a roster spot.
"Being on the bench for these games won't help them get ready for season," Gardenhire said. "We are thin at the infield spots, so we are very happy to have these guys stay here."
Twins tidbits: One person in the crowd at Thursday night's game receiving quite a bit of attention was former Twins third base coach Al Newman. Newman, now a scout for the Arizona Diamondbacks, generated plenty of greetings from some of the Twins players including Joe Mauer, Jason Bartlett and Nick Punto during batting practice. ... The Twins' starting lineup for Friday's game will be left fielder Shannon Stewart, second baseman Luis Castillo, center fielder Hunter, designated hitter Rondell White, third baseman Glenn Williams, right fielder Michael Cuddyer, first baseman Terry Tiffee, catcher Mike Redmond and shortstop Nick Punto.

Source: http://minnesota.twins.mlb.com/

Santana sharp in spring debut

03/02/2006
Twins at the plate: Torii Hunter didn't take long to get back into game form, scoring the first Twins run in the second inning with a towering home run over the left-field wall on the first pitch he saw. Terry Tiffee added an RBI single later in the inning. Joe Mauer went 2-for-3 on the day with a solo homer and an RBI single.
Red Sox at the plate: It was an impressive debut for the Red Sox new leadoff man, Coco Crisp, who went 3-for-3 with one RBI, finishing just a homer shy of the cycle.
Twins on the mound: Johan Santana threw two scoreless innings while giving up one hit and striking out three in his only start for the Twins before leaving to pitch for Venezuela in the World Baseball Classic. Carlos Silva followed Santana with two scoreless innings of his own, allowing three hits and striking out three.
Red Sox on the mound: Starter Jonathan Papelbon surrendered two runs, both earned, on four hits and one walk in 1 2/3 innings. His outing began with a scare in the first inning when Twins leadoff batter Shannon Stewart hit a line shot off the pitcher's left ankle.
Grapefruit League records: Twins 1-0; Red Sox 0-1.

Source: http://minnesota.twins.mlb.com/

New Twins record hits in loss to Reds

03/03/2006
Twins at the plate: It was a struggle offensively for Minnesota, as none of the starters recorded more than a single. Two of the new Twins did record their first hits though, as Luis Castillo singled in the first and Rondell White singled later in the inning. Ruben Sierra made his Twins debut as White's DH replacement and was 1-for-1 with an RBI and a walk.
Reds at the plate: Edwin Encarnacion blasted a two-run homer off Brad Radke in the first. Encarnacion finished the game 3-for-4 with another long bomb to left and a double. Tuffy Rhodes went 2-for-3 with a run scored.
Twins on the mound: Radke made his first appearance of the spring, giving up three runs, all earned, on three hits. Radke also hit a batter. Glen Perkins followed Radke and threw two shutout innings while striking out three. J.D. Durbin struggled in his first outing of the year, giving up five runs in the seventh.
Reds on the mound: Starter Michael Gosling threw three shutout innings, giving up only three hits and striking out one. Jason Standridge pitched one shutout inning, allowing only one walk.
Grapefruit League records: Twins, 1-1; Reds, 1-1.

Source: http://minnesota.twins.mlb.com/

Notes: White announces retirement

03/03/2006
FORT MYERS, Fla. -- The Twins' three-man veteran race for the left-handed spot in the bullpen dropped down to two on Friday when Gabe White told the Twins that he was retiring.
The decision came after White pitched one inning in the Twins' Grapefruit League opener on Thursday night, giving up two triples and two runs. A non-roster invitee to Twins camp, White had hoped to earn the open spot in the bullpen but realized that physically, he just couldn't compete anymore.
"I just laid awake all night last night, staring at the TV," White said. "Physically and mentally, it's just time to move on -- let somebody else do it.
The pitcher met with Twins manager Ron Gardenhire and pitching coach Rick Anderson on Friday morning to inform them of this decision. White said that he began to feel pain in his throwing elbow after about three batters on Thursday. It wasn't the first time he has dealt with aches and pains, as his knee has swelled throughout Spring Training during running drills. The physical ills took a toll on White.
"You can't hide anything as a pitcher," White said. "When you're on the mound you have to be 100 percent, you can't compete with anything less."
White had been competing with left-handers Darrell May and Dennys Reyes for the open bullpen spot. The 34-year-old White pitched for the Reds, Rockies, Yankees, Cardinals and Expos over his eight years in the Majors.
Last season, White was released by Atlanta at the end of Spring Training and cut by St. Louis at the end of July after making six relief appearances. Though he has had his share of ups and downs over the past year, ending the career that he has spent almost his entire life pursuing was something that didn't come easy for White.
"It's a very difficult decision for me," White said. "I went through a lot of emotions last night, a lot of crying and bawling up. But I respect this game a lot and if I can't give it what I think it should be given, then it's time to move on."
New position: Ruben Sierra will soon add another position to his resume -- first base.
Sierra has been taking ground balls at the position during the early parts of the spring and Gardenhire said that he will start the 40-year-old at the spot during one of the games in the Twins' Grapefruit League schedule.
Though the 40-year-old has never played at the spot during his Major League career, the Twins believe that having Sierra's right-handed bat to back up left-hander Justin Morneau would be a big advantage.
"You want to be able to put him in the game," Gardenhire said. "You need to have those days where you can get him four at-bats here and four at-bats there to keep him sharp for late-inning situations and big pinch-hit situations."
Sierra saw his first action in a game for the Twins on Friday as a designated hitter and proved that he still has some speed left in his bat. Sierra went 1-for-1 with a walk and a hard liner to left.
The trial at first won't come immediately, as Gardenhire plans on starting Sierra in left field for Sunday's home game against the Red Sox. He will make sure that Sierra sees some significant time out in the field this spring, whether it's at first or in the outfield, to make sure that he is used to the role.
"He told me they didn't play him at all in a position in Spring Training, and then they get to the season and half way through they start him in the outfield," Gardenhire said. "We just need to get him out there so he can see balls off bats and try to get him acclimated."
Durbin roughed up: It was a rough day for most of the Twins pitchers, but maybe none more so than J.D. Durbin.
In his first outing of the spring, Durbin gave up five runs on six hits in one inning.
"The ball was up and out and over the plate," Gardenhire said of the young pitcher. "He can't seem to locate, but that was his first time out there and the big thing with him is feeling healthy. Maybe location will come."
The right-hander is coming off two seasons limited by injuries, and despite the bashing he took on Friday, Gardenhire chose to remain positive that things could turn around.
"He's got velocity and he has a breaking ball, it just didn't work out for him today," Gardenhire said. "He got beat."
Bullpen questions: Gardenhire made it clear that he is looking for two distinct roles for the two open spots in the Twins bullpen.
One is a long reliever who can eat up innings in the early spring, when starters can sometimes only last five or six innings. The other is a situational type of pitcher who can either intimidate hitters with speed or be brought in for special situations to face a lefty.
A name that Gardenhire threw in the mix for one of those roles wasn't one that he necessarily believed would be taken seriously, but one that has impressed the coaching staff so far this spring -- Glen Perkins. Perkins, a left-hander and the Twins' first-round pick in the 2004 First-Year Player Draft, threw two scoreless innings in Friday's game and struck out three. It wasn't the first time he showed his ability to get hitters out this spring. Gardenhire chuckled as he told a story of former manager Tom Kelly bringing six broken bats into his office a few days earlier to give to pitching coach Rick Anderson as a gift from Perkins.
"We know it's early with the kid, but we like his arm," Gardenhire said. "He's been throwing the ball very well down here."

Source: http://minnesota.twins.mlb.com/

Notes: Tiffee's opportunity to shine

03/04/2006
FORT MYERS, Fla. -- There are plenty of young Twins players getting extra opportunities to show what they can do with 14 players in the organization leaving for the World Baseball Classic.
But no one player may benefit from the team's defections more than infielder Terry Tiffee.
With the absence of first baseman Justin Morneau and a lack of depth at third base, Tiffee will be getting plenty of opportunities to see the field due to his versatility. Through three days of Spring Training games including a split-squad set on Saturday, Tiffee has had the opportunity to start in a game every day either at third or first, including his start at third base on Saturday in St. Petersburg against the Devil Rays.
"Definitely it's something that excites me," Tiffee said of his extra time. "I'm glad to have the opportunity to play more. I'd play every day if they wanted me to. I just want to play, hit and do whatever it takes to get on the field.
With all the additional playing time, Tiffee will have a chance to prove that his troubles from last year are behind him. Last season, Tiffee hit only .207 with 15 RBIs over 54 games with the Twins. Tiffee knows that he will have to display some better performances this spring to prove that he can indeed succeed on this stage.
"After last year, I had a terrible year so I definitely want them to know that I can still play at this level," Tiffee said. "I think it was just everything. Not being used to the role of coming off the bench and lacking confidence. A lot played into it."
Part of Tiffee's struggles may have been the change from an everyday player to a bench reserve role. It wasn't something that Tiffee adjusted to easily but when he was called up again near the end of the season, Tiffee appeared to grasp the role better.
"I didn't really do very good at the beginning adjusting, and then the second time I got called up I adjusted a little better," Tiffee said. "Still it's a tough situation for me because I've never been in that situation because I've been used to playing every day in the Minor Leagues. My goal is to eventually get an everyday spot here."
When the Twins made the decision to move Michael Cuddyer from third base this past offseason, there was some discussion as to whether they might try Tiffee in the role. It was something that the 26-year-old hoped for but knew was unlikely.
"I can't expect them to give me a spot after having a terrible year," Tiffee said. "The moves they made are good for the ballclub and I understand that.
Just because he wouldn't have an everyday role once again though, doesn't mean that Tiffee is against competing for a backup role with the club this season. From what he learned last year, Tiffee feels that he could possibly bring some experience to the team and give the Twins the depth that they need.
"There are a couple of guys that can back up those spots," Tiffee said. "But with me having a bit more experience at the big league level, I think that could play out in my favor as well."
First impression: Not much is usually made of starts in the spring, but Boof Bonser's Spring Training start on Saturday meant a little more since it was his first.
"It was nice, especially since it was my first," Bonser said, with a beaming smile on his face after his outing.
Bonser had reason to smile as he threw two scoreless innings, allowing one hit and one walk while striking out two. It was two quality starts for the Twins as Scott Baker delivered another strong performance in St. Petersburg against the Devil Rays. Baker lasted 2 2/3 shutout innings, giving up three hits and striking out two.
One of the young pitchers getting some extra time on the mound with the absence of Johan Santana and Carlos Silva to the World Baseball Classic, Bonser is trying to take full advantage of the opportunity.
The big right-hander has often been talked about as a future starter for the Twins since being acquired in the A.J. Pierzynski trade to San Francisco, along with closer Joe Nathan and Francisco Liriano. Bonser was 11-9 last season with a 3.99 ERA at Triple-A Rochester.
"I would like to think that I'm ready for the next step," Bonser said following his start. "My goal has been to show them that I think I'm ready and let them make the decision."
The likelihood is that Bonser won't be in the running for a starting job this season but more starting spots could open up next year, especially if Brad Radke decides to retire. Bonser will have a chance to show his improvement as he will likely have three more chances to start this spring. The payoff may not come right away, but it's something Bonser is willing to wait out.
"I'm just waiting for my opportunity," Bonser said. "It's the name of this game, putting your time in and being patient. You just have to wait for the phone to ring."
Making his mark: Jason Kubel recorded his first hit of the spring, a sinking fly down the right-field line, in the sixth inning of Saturday's game, but it was his poise at the plate that impressed some of the Twins coaches.
Kubel still has only played in the designated hitter role and has yet to display what he can do in the outfield. In his first time on the bases, he looked a little tentative but still showed that there is power in his bat.
Twins tidbits: Catcher Shawn Wooten left early on Saturday afternoon to head back to the Twin Cities to be with his wife Marissa as she gives birth. ... The Twins announced on Saturday that they have agreed to terms on 2006 contracts with six players: pitchers Baker, Jesse Crain, Matt Guerrier and Liriano, catcher Joe Mauer, first baseman Morneau and outfielder Lew Ford. The club has now signed all 40 players on its roster for the season. ... Guerrier gave up his first home run of the season, a two-run shot by Brandon Phillips, in the sixth inning of Saturday's game against the Indians at Fort Myers. ... The Twins will be short on pitchers over the next few days due to the split-squad games on Saturday. The starter for Monday's game is still unknown, but pitching coach Rick Anderson said it will likely be either Willie Eyre or Glen Perkins who will take the mound against the Pirates in Bradenton, Fla.

Source: http://minnesota.twins.mlb.com/

Ford, Bowen lift Twins over Devil Rays

03/04/2006
Rays at the plate: Joey Gathright was the lone Ray to reach base more than once: He went 1-for-2 with a walk. Non-roster invitee Luis Ordaz singled and drove in a run, and is now 5-for-8 through three Spring Training games.
Twins at the plate: Catcher Rob Bowen singled, left fielder Lew Ford tripled, and each had two RBIs as part of a six-run sixth inning. Third baseman Terry Tiffee went 3-for-4 with an RBI and non-roster invitee Josh Rabe doubled.
Rays on the mound: Right-hander Shawn Camp surrendered five runs on four hits in the sixth and hit a batter. Right-hander Jamie Shields struck out three in two innings of no-hit ball.
Twins on the mound: Non-roster invitee Matt Garza surrendered the Rays' lone run, in the fifth inning. Starter Scott Baker and Jason Miller each had two strikeouts, and Baker scattered three hits in 2 2/3 innings pitched.
Grapefruit League records: Rays 2-1; Twins 2-2.

Source: http://minnesota.twins.mlb.com/

Twins split squad falls to Tribe

03/04/2006
Twins at the plate: Torii Hunter went 2-for-2 in the game on Saturday, and Michael Cuddyer was 2-for-3 with a double. Jason Kubel recorded his first hit of the spring, a sinking fly down the right-field line, in the eighth inning.
Indians at the plate: Brandon Phillips provided most of the offense for the Indians as he scored a run in the fifth off a sacrifice fly by Todd Donovan. Phillips then drove in two more runs with a long bomb over the left-field wall in the sixth. Ben Broussard hit a triple in the first inning, and Grady Sizemore also recorded a single in the game.
Twins on the mound: Starter Boof Bonser made his first start in Spring Training and impressed, pitching two innings while allowing three hits and striking out one. Dave Gassner made his first appearance this spring and threw three innings, giving up three hits and one run. Matt Guerrier allowed his first home run of the season to Phillips in his two-inning outing.
Indians on the mound: Fausto Carmona lasted two innings in his start and gave up three hits while striking out one. Jeremy Guthrie followed Carmona with two scoreless innings of his own, allowing only two hits.
Grapefruit League records: Twins 2-2; Indians 2-1.

Source: http://minnesota.twins.mlb.com/

'65 Twins remember Series appearance

03/04/2006
MINNEAPOLIS -- Memory Lane can get a bit crowded sometimes -- especially if you're going back 40 years. But certain moments hold their place in time, which is why Frank Quilici found himself in tears watching Game 7 of the 1987 World Series.
The sight of the Twins battling in a familiar situation stirred up old feelings for Quilici, who played second base for Minnesota's 1965 World Series team. He still remembers the intensity, excitement and camaraderie of playing in that historic championship, which the Los Angeles Dodgers won in seven games.
"We really were just a huge family during the '60s and '70s," Quilici said. "I've always tried to put things in perspective and say I'm the luckiest guy in the world to have appeared in the World Series."
Quilici's shining moment came in the series opener against Hall of Fame pitcher Don Drysdale. A career .214 hitter, Quilici singled and doubled in the same inning as the Twins surprised the Dodgers, 8-2, at Metropolitan Stadium.
"I came back to the bench after the second hit," Quilici recalled. "Honestly, I was so fired up, I thought we played two innings. I didn't even realize it."
Teammate Tony Oliva also was too focused on playing baseball at the time to comprehend the significance of the series. It was the first postseason appearance for the Minnesota Twins after moving from Washington five years earlier.
"In those days, you would think like a player," Oliva said. "You wouldn't think like a fan."
Oliva broke open Game 2 with a run-scoring double off legendary southpaw Sandy Koufax. The Twins went on to win that game, 5-1, and took a 2-0 lead to Dodger Stadium.
"People don't remember that," Oliva said of his RBI double, laughing. "People remember when [Koufax] struck me out. That was special for me to get a base hit against him."
Drysdale and Koufax bounced back when the series shifted to Los Angeles, as the home team won all three games. Twins pitcher Al Worthington made his first appearance of the series in the sixth inning of Game 4 in front of 55,920 fans at Dodger Stadium.
"You could call it a little nervous feeling," said Worthington, who played the last six seasons of his 16-year career with Minnesota.
Worthington can't hide his competitive fire when he says his most enduring memory of the 1965 World Series -- four decades later -- is losing. Koufax pitched a three-hit shutout in the decisive game in one of the great performances of the Hall of Famer's career.
"My high school coach told me, 'You'll never remember the games you win, you remember the games you lost,'" Worthington said. "I remember the seventh game very well."
Oliva has a different outlook. "Tony O" was a three-time batting champion in his career and led the league in hits five times. In the '65 Series, the longtime Twins outfielder batted 5-for-26 (.192) and went hitless in Game 7 against Koufax.
"When you lose to the Dodgers and Sandy Koufax, 2-0, you don't have to be ashamed of anything," Oliva said. "Only one team can win, but both teams can be great. ... To be able to play in the World Series against the Dodgers and to be in Minnesota, the people had the chance to see some of the best ballplayers in the world."
Quilici and Worthington said they welcome the 40-year anniversary of their benchmark season as an opportunity to reunite the team. Oliva has kept in touch with only a handful of his teammates through periodic charity events. The Twins organization will honor the '65 team with a special ceremony on Aug. 19.
"This year is special because the Minnesota Twins had the idea of a big program," Oliva said. "It means a lot because we have a chance to see people I haven't seen in 20 or 30 years. ... Those 40 years [since the Series] seem like yesterday. It's hard to believe 40 years went by."

Source: http://minnesota.twins.mlb.com/

Attention getter: Perkins in the spotlight

03/05/2006
FORT MYERS, Fla. -- There has never been a lack of attention surrounding Glen Perkins.
The former University of Minnesota pitcher has been a name that Twins fans have followed since he was drafted as the 22nd overall pick in the first round of the 2004 First-Year Player Draft.
But now it's the attention of the Twins coaches that Perkins has gained. The young pitcher is in his first Major League camp and is getting plenty of opportunities to pitch with the team's lack of pitchers due to the World Baseball Classic. In his first outing this spring, on Friday against the Reds, Perkins threw two scoreless innings
Perkins did so well that he even earned himself a start in the Twins game at Bradenton against the Pirates on Monday.
"Perkins threw the ball very well," Twins manager Ron Gardenhire said, after the pitcher's most recent outing. "The ball came out of his hand very good, he locates the ball well, and he's very sure of himself."
The impression that he has made has even earned Perkins consideration for one of the team's open bullpen spots -- well, at least from Gardenhire. Whether the idea would go over with Twins general manager Terry Ryan is another story. Gardenhire knows it may be a long shot, but he believes that Perkins understands the situation before him.
"I'm sure that he's a very smart young man and I'm sure things like that won't go by him," Gardenhire said of what's at stake this spring. "He'll push the issue as much as he can."
Despite the very strong start, there is a lot more of spring left to go and Perkins will still have a lot to prove. The 23-year-old dominated as part of the Fort Myers Miracle early in 2005, going 3-2 with a 2.14 ERA in 10 games, but saw that fortune change a bit when he was moved up to Double-A. Perkins went 4-4 with a 4.90 ERA in 14 starts there.
"He hit a little bump in the road with New Britain last year which isn't all that bad," Ryan said, "Competition might humble you a bit and last year he had all he could handle at Double-A."
Perkins used the experience as motivation in the Arizona Fall League where he once again put up stellar numbers going 1-0 with a 2.53 ERA in seven starts. Though he proved he can adjust to quality hitting, for now, Perkins is set in staying in the Minors. He knows that may change but he's OK with whatever happens.
"To have your name mentioned in the race is cool," Perkins said. "But I'm a starter until they say I'm not. I'm sure they want me to stay a starter and if they call me up, they call me up. I just want to prepare to get ready for the Minor League season as a starter and if that changes, then I'll make that adjustment."
On the move: A name to keep an eye this season is David Winfree who earned Minor League Player of the Year honors for the Twins in 2005. Winfree spent the season at Class A Beloit and racked up a .294 batting average with 101 RBIs and 16 home runs. Of the past 10 winners of the award, nine have gone on to establish lasting careers in the Majors.
Names in the game: One of the most common sights this spring at Twins camp has been that of Rod Carew in the batting cages working with young and veteran players alike. An area that Carew has focused on with many of the younger players including Jason Bartlett is the art of bunting and understanding your role in the order. Bartlett is expected to bat around the ninth slot if he earns the shortstop job, and he will be counted on to improve the fundamentals.
They're No. 1: Third baseman Matt Moses was the Twins first-round pick in the 2003 First-Year Player Draft. Moses has had a bit of a slow start to his career due to being limited by back problems in 2004. He finally had a full year of playing time in 2005 and worked his way up to Double-A. A strong presence with his bat, Moses will have to work on his defense to be a high impact type of player, but showed in the Arizona Fall League that he can play at a higher level.
Class of '05: The Twins Minor League camp isn't set to begin until Friday so the organization has yet to see any of the improvements made by their young draft class last year. A lot is expected of some of the players including two of last year's draft picks, pitcher Kevin Slowey and first baseman Henry Sanchez. Slowey impressed early and was moved up to Beloit after only four games with Elizabethton. Slowey went 3-2 with a 2.24 ERA in 13 games with the Snappers and held batters to an impressive .183 batting average against. Sanchez didn't sign until late in the season and only produced two home runs, but the Twins are looking to him as one of the power prospects of the future.
What they're saying: "I went down to the Fall League with something to prove. I had a chip on my shoulder with how I did in Double-A. I talked to the guys before the year started and they said that I could follow the Scott Baker path where I go High-A, Double-A, and finish in Triple-A, but I didn't get there. So I felt like I had something to prove and that I fell behind a little bit. I went down [to Arizona] with the goal to come here and I accomplished that." -- Perkins, on being in his first Major League camp

Source: http://minnesota.twins.mlb.com/

Jones propels Twins past Red Sox

03/05/2006
Twins at the plate: The Twins scored all five of their runs between the third and fifth innings. Garret Jones (two doubles, two RBIs) led the way, with Ruben Sierra (RBI single) and Denard Span (two runs, one RBI) also making contributions.
Red Sox at the plate: In an otherwise quiet day for Boston, Mike Lowell (double) set up J.T. Snow for an RBI single in the fourth.
Twins on the mound: Kyle Lohse fired two shutout innings, allowing a hit and a walk while striking out two. Non-roster invitee Jason Miller finished off the Red Sox with a scoreless ninth inning.
Red Sox on the mound: Despite issuing three walks in the first inning, veteran knuckleballer Tim Wakefield did not allow a run or a hit in his two innings of work. Cla Meredith and Manny Delcarmen were both strong out of the bullpen for Boston, each throwing a scoreless inning.
Grapefruit League record: Red Sox 0-3; Twins 3-2.

Source: http://minnesota.twins.mlb.com/

Shock, dismay at news of Puckett

03/05/2006
FORT MYERS, Fla.-- Hall of Fame outfielder Kirby Puckett, one of the most beloved players to ever don a Twins uniform, suffered a stroke Sunday morning at his Scottsdale, Ariz., home.
Puckett, 45, was transported to Scottsdale Memorial Hospital and later airlifted to Scottsdale Healthcare Osborne where he underwent surgery, the Twins announced.
A nursing supervisor at St. Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center in Phoenix told The Associated Press that the former Twins center fielder was in critical condition. She did not provide additional details.
Puckett had surgery to drain blood and relieve pressure resulting from bleeding in the brain, the The Star-Tribune of Minneapolis reported.
The mood around the Twins complex on Sunday was decidedly somber as players and staff learned about Puckett's stroke. Twins manager Ron Gardenhire was informed of the news about Puckett by Al Newman, the Twins former third base coach. Newman, a close friend of Puckett's, was at the game as a scout for the Arizona Diamondbacks.
"We did the best we could today and the game was whatever -- it was a game," Gardenhire said. "Our hearts and prayers are all with Puck and his family and we're all waiting like everyone else is to see how everything turns out. We're hoping for the best and we know it's a tough situation going on out there."
The Twins' first-round draft pick in 1982, Puckett spent 12 years in Minnesota before his career was cut short in 1996 when glaucoma caused him to lose sight in his right eye. He was a first ballot Hall of Fame inductee in 2001.
The Spring Training game that the Twins were hosting against the Red Sox quickly became an afterthought for many. Torii Hunter, who had been scheduled to start the game, was removed from the lineup because he was too upset to play. During the early part of his career, Hunter had looked to Puckett as one of his biggest mentors.
"It's an unfortunate situation," left fielder Shannon Stewart said. "I'm sure it hit Torii hard, it would have done that to me if it was a guy that helped me along my way in my career. The things that Kirby has done for him were probably more than words can explain."
Another player that Puckett impacted was former Twins outfielder Jacque Jones, who is now with the Chicago Cubs. Jones was in contact with Hunter and his former team on Sunday from Cubs camp in Arizona, and talking to Puckett's fiancée, Jodi Olson, to get updates on his condition.
"He's a big part of the reason I play this game," Jones said. "He's the reason I play it the way I play it. He's a great person. We all learned from him, me, Torii, Matt Lawton, LaTroy [Hawkins]."
Former Twins player and WCCO radio analyst Dan Gladden was scheduled to broadcast the game but left Hammond Stadium before the game began to try and catch a flight to Phoenix to be with his friend.
Tom Kelly was Puckett's manager for the final 10 years of the 10-time All-Star's career. He was visibly upset by the news as he left the Twins clubhouse Sunday afternoon.
"It's obviously distressing news," Kelly said. "We had a doctor come in and explain probably what's going to happen. The last thing [the doctor] said was that if he has good luck, things will hopefully work out. So let's hope he has some good luck."
Despite all of the players knowing what was going on, no formal meeting was held to announce the news of the stroke to the team. Gardenhire didn't want to talk about a situation where he didn't have all the facts present.
"We're all trying to find out as much as we possibly can," Gardenhire said. "There have been lots of bits and pieces but nothing substantial to find out what's really happening. We want to find out what's going on before we make any announcements."
The emotional reaction to Puckett's stroke wasn't limited to the Twins as ballclubs throughout the Major Leagues expressed concern. Diamondbacks manager Bob Melvin spoke for many of the teams when he said that his thoughts were with the Hall of Fame player.
"Everybody who's played against Kirby or knows him is saddened," Melvin said. "Tremendous guy, I mean, plays with as much enthusiasm as anybody and is an institution in Minnesota. I know Kirby and our prayers are with him."
There had been concerns for Puckett's health over the past few years. The former slugger continued to put on weight since retiring. The weight gain was especially alarming considering Puckett's family history of heart disease. The player has lost many of his family members before the age of 50 to various health problems.
"The last few times I saw him, he just kept getting bigger and bigger and bigger," Twins great Tony Oliva said.
"We were all concerned," Jones said of Puckett's weight. "A man's going to be a man, a woman's going to be a woman. You can't change what they're going to do unless they want to change. He enjoyed life, he enjoyed the size he was. That's who he was. You can't do anything about it until he decides to change. Hopefully this will be a wakeup call and he'll change some things."
It has been a while since many in the organization have seen Puckett. He dropped out of the public light after his 2003 acquittal of assault charges involving a woman at a Twins Cities restaurant. One of his last public outings in the area came a year ago when he attended former Twins announcer Bob Casey's wake. Gardenhire last saw Puckett at Harmon Killebrew's golf outing in Arizona this past November.
"He said he was doing better," Gardenhire said. "He talked about being on a diet, working out, getting to feeling better, and talked of getting married in June. It was fun to see him again."
Puckett hasn't been involved with the team as closely over the past few years, but retained some close friendships with many in the organization. There were unsuccessful attempts to have him at this year's Spring Training as a special instructor.
"It doesn't change ... no matter when or where you see Puck, when he comes around everything is brightened up," Gardenhire said. "Now we are just all hoping that he gets through this thing OK."

Source: http://minnesota.twins.mlb.com/

Hall of Famer Puckett suffers stroke

03/05/2006
FORT MYERS, Fla. -- Hall of Famer and former Twins great Kirby Puckett suffered a stroke on Sunday morning at his home in Scottsdale, Ariz.
Puckett, 44, was transported to Scottsdale Memorial Hospital and then airlifted to Scottsdale Osborne Hospital where he is undergoing Neo Surgery.
"The Minnesota Twins and Major League Baseball ask fans to keep Kirby and his family in their thoughts and prayers," the club said in a written statement.
A 10-time All-Star, Puckett spent 12 seasons playing for the Twins before his career was cut short in 1996 due to irreversible damage to the retina in his right eye due to glaucoma. Puckett helped the Twins to two World Series titles during his career and retired as the Twins' all-time leader in hits (2,304), doubles (414), total bases (3,453), at-bats (7,244) and runs (1,071).

Source: http://minnesota.twins.mlb.com/

Twins release statement on Kirby Puckett

03/05/2006
FT. MYERS, Fla. -- Former Twins great Kirby Puckett suffered a stroke this morning at his home in Scottsdale, AZ. He was transported to Scottsdale Memorial Hospital and later airlifted to Scottsdale Osborne Hospital where he is undergoing Neo Surgery.
The Minnesota Twins and Major League Baseball ask fans to keep Kirby and his family in their thoughts and prayers.

Source: http://minnesota.twins.mlb.com/

Baseball reacts to Puckett's passing

03/06/2006
Kirby Puckett's passing sent shock waves across Spring Training camps from Arizona to Florida on Monday as baseball mourned the untimely death of the Hall of Famer.
Puckett, 45, passed away Monday afternoon due to complications from a stroke.
"This is a sad day for the Minnesota Twins, Major League Baseball and baseball fans everywhere," Minnesota Twins owner Carl Pohlad said. "Eloise and I loved Kirby deeply. Kirby's impact on the Twins organization, State of Minnesota and Upper Midwest is significant and goes well beyond his role in helping the Twins win two world championships. A tremendous teammate, Kirby will always be remembered for his neverending hustle, infectious personality, trademark smile and commitment to the community. There will never be another 'Puck'."
Puckett stood only 5-feet, 8-inches tall, but he was a giant of his era. He was remembered by those who knew him as a lovable 212-pound bowling ball of a center fielder who hit .318 during a 12-year career.
Despite his stocky stature, he was an outstanding fielder, winning six Gold Gloves for fielding excellence. He was a 10-time All-Star and led the American League in hits four times, including 1989 when he led the league with a .339 batting average.
For all his baseball excellence, Puckett was equally remembered Monday as a caring individual and a friend to those whose lives he touched.
"When I think about Kirby, I think about the way he lived his life and the way he played the game," Hall of Fame pitcher Nolan Ryan said. "He enjoyed the game and he enjoyed people."
Ryan said Puckett loved kids.
"My boys thought he was special, because he would always go out of his way to talk to the kids and play with them and that makes him extremely special to them because a lot of players wouldn't do that," Ryan said.
Baseball's all-time strikeout king said Puckett was one of his toughest outs.
"He was a very aggressive-type player," Ryan said. "He always took the extra base. You knew to get him out you had to be on your best."
Cincinnati Reds general manager Wayne Krivsky knew Puckett well from the time the two spent together in the Twins organization.
"I had some interaction with him then because we shared an office," Krivsky said. "We had some fun and some laughs together. He'd answer my phone 'Wayne Krivsky's office.' He'd call me 'Kriv.'
"My wife got to talk with him several times and she couldn't believe she was talking to Kirby Puckett. They had a lot of laughs on the phone together. It's really sad to hear what's happened. I have some nice memories of those one or two springs when we were up there sharing that same office. We had a lot of laughs. He'd join us for lunch in Fort Myers[, Fla.]. Whenever it was Kirby's day to buy, it was a big day for lunch. He'd cater in these great meals -- three-course meals. You didn't need to eat dinner on days Kirby was buying. It was really neat and a lot of fun."
Puckett hit .357 in the 1987 World Series, and was a key player as the Twins won the World Series again in 1991. In 24 postsesason games, Puckett hit .309 with five homers and 15 RBIs.
"Everybody remembers the World Series wins," Krivsky said. "He always had a smile on his face. He was fun to be around. This has really got to hit the whole organization hard. There are not too many people he didn't touch over there. Everybody knew Kirby. It's got to be hitting his ex-teammates pretty hard. I'm sure the whole organization is going to be reeling from this for a while."
Puckett was on the minds of many of his former teammates and former Twins Monday.
Prior to Monday's game between the Oakland Athletics and Chicago Cubs, A's third base coach Ron Washington and Cubs outfielder Jacque Jones huddled together to talk about Puckett. Washington had spent all day Sunday at the Scottsdale hospital where Puckett was taken for surgery.
"He's a big part of the reason I play this game," said Jones, who came up in the Twins organization.
Cubs team president Andy MacPhail was the Twins GM from 1986-94.
"He was the best teammate I've ever been around," MacPhail said. "He made ballplayers better either by teasing them or getting on them. Nobody could dog it around him because he's running 4.2 [seconds] to first base in exhibition games that were going to get rained out in 20 minutes. As a player, he was a unique guy.
"When you win championships, you realize there are many, many indispensable people," MacPhail said. "We wouldn't have won without [Jack] Morris in '91, we wouldn't have won without [Greg] Gagne in '87 and '91, you wouldn't have won without [manager Tom] Kelly. There are a lot of those people. Nobody was more indispensable than Kirby. As a player, he was unique. There's never been anybody around him who had an impact on a baseball team the way he did."
Puckett was as exciting in the field as he was at bat. He had an electric personality and even casual fans love to see the Twins' sparkplug play the game.
"He wouldn't have been a big 'Moneyball' favorite because he used to say that the only guy who gets paid for walking is the mailman," MacPhail said. "That was him. Players respond more I think to their peers than anything else. With Kirby around, you always felt better after you've been around him. You could not be around him for long before he would have you smiling and laughing."
Wally Backman was a teammate of Puckett's in 1989 and is a good friend of Minnesota manager Ron Gardenhire.
"He was the ultimate professional to me," Backman said. "Always working to get better. I used to say Tony Oliva had one job -- throw early [batting practice] to Kirby. He took it every day. It didn't seem good when they said he had surgery. But you didn't think he was going to die."
Mets outfielder Cliff Floyd was another who was saddened by the news.
"That's wrong, that's so wrong," Floyd said. "He always had that positive vibe going. Always had a smile. That's just horrible. We're in the clubhouse today and we see that 'critical condition, critical condition' on the bottom of the screen. 'Is it ever going to go back to stable?' Now he's gone. ... It's a shame, man. It's awful."
San Diego outfielder Mike Cameron was a friend of Puckett's.
"We were in the clubhouse today, talking about center fielders and Kirby's name came up," Cameron said. "He's one of those special dudes. I knew he had the stroke, and I was asking if you could go the hospital to see him. They said he was in intensive care, that it was just for family. ... Now he's gone. That's crazy. I didn't even know. The last time I saw him was when the Mets played in Minnesota. I went to dinner with him -- me, Kirby, Jacque Jones and Torii [Hunter]. I'm sure Torii's tore up. It's so sad."
Cameron remembered Puckett befriending him when he first came up to the Major Leagues, and Cameron wasn't even Puckett's teammate.
"He was one of those dudes, good people," Cameron said. "He always called me 'Young Stud.' I wasn't playing much when I came up with the White Sox. I'd just watch him. When I was with the White Sox, every time we'd go to Minnesota -- and we went a lot -- he'd take me and Frank Thomas to dinner. He had his own table in a restaurant. That city loved him, We all loved Kirby."
Chris Coste of the Phillies has been a Puckett fan since he can remember.
"Kirby was the first name on everyone's list," said Coste. "That smile and that magnetic personality. He was a huge role model for so many people in that area. He was a huge influence in the way that I hit."
Coste immediately broke into a Puckett batting stance -- pumping his left leg -- and said he stole that for his own style.
"People ask me how I hit that way, and I say, 'I grew up watching Kirby Puckett," said Coste, 33. "He was the kind of guy who had that Barry Bonds and Mark McGwire factor, where he would go to other stadiums and people from those cities would watch him play."
Coste's manager with the Phillies, Charlie Manuel, was another who was upset by the news.
"That kind of crushed me," Manuel said. "I didn't realize it was that bad. He was my favorite player. He was everything I thought a player should be."
Jane Forbes Clark, Chairman of the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum, also issued a statement.
"This is a sad and tragic day for the Baseball Hall of Fame," Clark said. "He was an incredibly productive player from the moment he joined the Twins until his last at-bat 12 years later. When you remember Kirby, you think of the joy and optimism he brought to the ballpark every day, and into the lives of everyone who knew him. He was, in every sense of the term, a Hall of Famer. We will miss Kirby greatly."
Donald M. Fehr, executive director of the Major League Baseball Players Association, echoed those sentiments.
"We are very saddened by the sudden and unexpected passing of Kirby Puckett," Fehr said in a statement. "Kirby played the game with such passion and enthusiasm that he was beloved by players and fans throughout all of baseball. An icon in Minnesota, Kirby's contributions to the game and all who love it will stand as a lasting tribute to his life. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Puckett family, his friends and the entire Twins baseball family."

Source: http://minnesota.twins.mlb.com/

Twins left to mourn Puckett's death

03/06/2006
FORT MYERS, Fla. -- Hall of Famer and Twins great Kirby Puckett passed away Monday afternoon at a Phoenix hospital, one day after suffering a massive stroke. He was 45.
"The entire Minnesota Twins organization is saddened by the loss of Twins great Kirby Puckett," the team said in a statement.
Considered one of the greatest players ever to don a Twins uniform, Puckett spent 12 years with the club before his career was cut short in 1996 when glaucoma caused him to lose sight in his right eye. Puckett retired as the club's all-time leader in hits (2,304), doubles (414), total bases (3,453), at-bats (7,244) and runs (1,071). The 10-time All-Star was then selected as a first-ballot inductee into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 2001.
"This is a sad day for the Minnesota Twins, Major League Baseball and baseball fans everywhere," Twins owner Carl Pohlad said.
Puckett was a six-time Gold Glove outfielder and five-time Silver Slugger. He led the American League in hitting in 1989, batting .339. But, aside from his affable personality, he was best known for his unforgettable walk-off home run in Game 6 of the 1991 World Series, which the Twins won in seven games. He was the MVP of the ALCS that year and also was a key member of the Twins' 1987 World Series championship team.
He was a leader off the field as well, being honored with the Roberto Clemente Award in 1996. Puckett is survived by his daughter Catherine, son Kirby, Jr., and his fiancée Jodi Olson and her son Cameron.
Arrangements have not yet been made for Puckett's memorial but tributes began popping up at the Metrodome almost immediately following the announcement of Puckett's passing. Signs, flowers and baseballs were laid out in front of the Twins' stadium to honor one of the most popular Twins players of all time.
"On behalf of Major League Baseball, I am terribly saddened by the sudden passing of Kirby Puckett," Commissioner Allan H. "Bud" Selig said in a statement Monday night. "Kirby was one of the great players of the 1980s and 1990s. I admired Kirby throughout his career. He was a Hall of Famer in every sense of the term.
"He played his entire career with the Twins and was an icon in Minnesota. But he was revered throughout the country and will be remembered wherever the game is played. Kirby was taken from us much too soon -- and too quickly. My deepest sympathies and condolences go out to his family and friends."
Puckett suffered the stroke at his home in Scottsdale, Ariz., early Sunday morning and underwent surgery that afternoon. The Hall of Fame player remained in critical condition and in intensive care at St. Josephs Hospital and Medical Center until Monday afternoon when the hospital said he was given last rites and had died.
It was a sad ending to a life that appeared to be the picturesque story of the American dream. The youngest of nine children who grew up amid poverty in a Chicago housing project, Puckett was drafted by the Twins in 1982 and became a fixture of the team just two years later.
It didn't take long for Puckett to establish a star-like quality, as on May 8, 1984, in Anaheim, Calif., he became the ninth player in MLB history to collect four hits in his Major League debut.
One of the rare players of this generation who spent his entire career with one club, Puckett became more than just an ordinary hero in Minnesota -- he was a legend. Even with his 5-foot-8, 220-pound build that resembled a football player more than an outfielder, "Puck" was known for his flair for nifty catches and a strong arm that never seemed to miss a target. A fan favorite, it was Puckett's everyman look and gregarious attitude that seemed to appeal to the legions of baseball followers.
"He was small, strong and didn't have a prototypical baseball body," Twins general manager Terry Ryan said. "And it was something that people really seemed to relate to. He was some kind of strong."
Puckett continued to generate highlight reels like the ones he made in the '91 World Series until he woke up one morning in March of 1996 with blurred vision in his right eye. He never again would play in a Major League game. The Twins retired his No. 34 jersey in 1997 and enshrined him in the inaugural class selected for the organization's Hall of Fame in 2000.
Even with the bad luck he received at the end of his career, Puckett never seemed to dwell on the negativity. The phrase of living a dream became a favorite of Puckett's and one than he used on numerous occasions.
"I want you to remember the guiding principles of my life: You can be what you want to be," Puckett said in his Hall of Fame speech in 2001. "If you believe in yourself, and you work hard, anything, and I'm telling you, anything is possible."
Puckett remained a fixture with the team even following his retirement. He joined the Twins front office staff as an executive vice president but resigned the role in 2002. The team had been trying to get the former player to come back as a special instructor for this year's Spring Training, but those attempts were unsuccessful.
"It seemed just right with him in a Twins uniform and the last few years he wasn't in one, which really bothers a lot of us," Ryan said. "You always wonder what could have happened if we had just kept him in uniform. That's bothersome."
The dramatic end to his career appeared to hurt Puckett deeply even though he never admitted it publicly, and his health seemed to suffer because of it. The former slugger continued to put on weight since retiring. The weight gain was especially alarming considering Puckett's family history of heart disease. The player had lost many of his family members before the age of 50 to various health problems.
"The last few times I saw him, he just kept getting bigger and bigger and bigger," Twins great Tony Oliva said.
It was worrisome to both Twins center fielder Torii Hunter and Jacque Jones, now with the Cubs. The two players came up in the Minnesota system and viewed Puckett as a mentor in their early years.
"We were all concerned," Jones said Sunday. "A man's going to be a man, a woman's going to be a woman. You can't change what they're going to do unless they want to change. He enjoyed life, he enjoyed the size he was. That's who he was."
It wasn't just his weight that seemed to spiral out of control once his playing days were over. Puckett went through a divorce in late 2001, and then in 2002, charges of abuse from a woman that he allegedly had an 18-year-affair with surfaced.
The bad news continued to pile on the former player and Puckett dropped out of the public view after his 2003 acquittal on charges that he groped a woman at a Twin Cities restaurant.
There had been hope things were turning around for Puckett, as some Twins players and coaches who saw Puckett at Harmon Killebrew's golf outing in Arizona this past November said Puckett appeared to be trying to lose weight and get his health back in order. He was also planning to remarry this June.
It's the thought that a life that seemed ready to restart ended so soon that sticks with Ryan.
"Losing part of playing career and now this, it just doesn't seem right," Ryan said. "And it doesn't seem fair. Unfortunately, it's starting to settle in now."

Source: http://minnesota.twins.mlb.com/

Statement from Kirby Puckett's family regarding his condition

03/06/2006
It is with great sadness that we announce that baseball legend Kirby Puckett was given last rites and passed away this afternoon. The Hall of Famer was hospitalized Sunday after suffering a stroke. Forty-five-year-old Puckett, who led the Minnesota Twins to World Series titles in 1987 and 1991, wished to be an organ donor. Medical staff at St. Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center are currently determining if that wish can be fulfilled.
Kirby's family and friends thank his fans for their thoughts and prayers.
The family is not releasing additional information or conducting interviews at this time. They thank the media for respecting their wishes.

Source: http://minnesota.twins.mlb.com/

Twins organization saddened by death of Kirby Puckett

03/06/2006
Ft. Myers, FL/Minneapolis, MN -- The entire Minnesota Twins organization is saddened by the loss of Twins great Kirby Puckett. Puckett, 45, passed away this afternoon due to complications resulting from a stroke, suffered on Sunday (March 5) morning at his home in Scottsdale, Ariz. After being transported to Scottsdale Memorial Hospital on Sunday morning, Puckett was airlifted to Scottsdale Osborne Hospital, where he underwent neurosurgery. Following the surgery he was transported to St. Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center in Phoenix, AZ.
"This is a sad day for the Minnesota Twins, Major League Baseball and baseball fans everywhere," Twins owner Carl Pohlad said. "Eloise and I loved Kirby deeply. Kirby's impact on the Twins organization, State of Minnesota and Upper Midwest is significant and goes well beyond his role in helping the Twins win two World Championships. A tremendous teammate, Kirby will always be remembered for his never-ending hustle, infectious personality, trademark smile and commitment to the community. There will never be another 'Puck'."
Born, March 14, 1961 in Chicago, Ill., Puckett became an All-American at Calumet High School in Chicago. After playing one season at Bradley University, Puckett enrolled at Triton Junior College. In the summer of 1981, he was spotted playing in the Illinois Collegiate League by Jim Rantz, the Twins' Assistant Farm Director. When the January phase of the 1982 draft arrived, the Twins made Puckett the third player selected in the first round. He was signed by scout Ellsworth Brown.
Considered by many to be the greatest Twin ever, 'Puck' was baseball's jewel for 12 incredible seasons. His story was about being a hero from day one, when he became the ninth player in history to collect four hits in his first game, May 8, 1984 at California. The dramatic entrance proved to be just the first of many heroic performances leading up to his most shining moment on October 26, 1991 during Game Six of the World Series vs. Atlanta. He went 3 for 4, made a leaping catch off the plexiglass to rob Ron Gant of an extra-base hit and became the ninth player to end a World Series game with a home run on the final pitch off Charlie Leibrandt in the 11th inning to force Game Seven.
The 10-time All-Star, 6-time Gold Glove Award winner and 5-time Silver Slugger Award winner had his career cut short when he awoke with blurred vision caused by glaucoma, on the morning of March 28, 1996. He was later forced to announce his retirement on July 12, 1996 due to irreversible damage to the retina in his right eye. He retired as the Twins' All-Time leader in hits (2,304), doubles (414), total bases (3,453), at-bats (7,244) and runs (1,071).
Besides his endless on-field accomplishments, Puckett was also one of the game's greatest community leaders and was given Major League Baseball's Roberto Clemente Man of the Year Award in 1996. He was elected to the National Baseball Hall of Fame on the first ballot in 2001, becoming the third-youngest living electee in baseball history (behind Sandy Koufax and Lou Gehrig). He had his number 34 formally retired by the Twins on May 25, 1997, was selected to the Twins' 40th Season Anniversary All-Time Team in 2000 and was inducted into the Twins' Hall of Fame on August 12, 2000.
Puckett is survived by his daughter Catherine, son Kirby, Jr., and his fiancée Jodi Olson and her son Cameron. Funeral arrangements are pending at this time and will be communicated once they become available.

Source: http://minnesota.twins.mlb.com/

Notes: Twins reflect on Puckett situation

03/06/2006
BRADENTON, Fla. -- It's not very often that baseball is an afterthought for Major League players, but just one day after Kirby Puckett suffered a stroke, that's exactly the way it was for the Twins.
Reports from St. Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center, where Puckett was moved following his surgery, said Monday afternoon that the Hall of Fame player was in critical condition. Puckett was being treated there in the intensive care unit.
The team made its trip to Bradenton, Fla., on Monday to face the Pirates in an afternoon game, but once again the thoughts of everyone in the organization were focused on Puckett.
One of the most telling signs of the impact the news had was the absence of Twins manager Ron Gardenhire. The skipper was scheduled to make the trip but after hearing about Puckett's state, he decided against it.
"Gardy was already having a tough time emotionally," Twins bench coach and manager for the day, Steve Liddle said. "He wanted to be where he could be reached. He also wanted to be where he could grieve without the game interfering today, if that situation were to come about."
That didn't happen on Monday, but the emotions of the situation hit everyone hard. It was a very silent and somber ride for all those that rode up on the bus.
"Coming up here, it was pretty quiet," pitching coach Rick Anderson said. "You're just sitting there and thinking how unfair the whole situation is."
The overall solemn mood of the Twins is a telling sign of just how much Puckett means to the organization as a whole. Many of the players involved in the game had never had contact with the former Twins player but felt his impact.
"It's been tough, seeing some of the faces in the clubhouse that know him personally, the life is drained out of them," infielder Nick Punto said. "Seeing Torii Hunter today made me a little emotional to see how shook he was. It's definitely a tough day."
The return of baseball to the field Monday afternoon made it seem like things had returned to normal, but it was far from that. Twins general manager Terry Ryan was in Bradenton to watch his team play, but said that his mind was focused elsewhere.
"Anybody that knew Kirby or has been around him, we're all thinking about him," Ryan said. "I knew, though, what he'd want us to do. Go out and do what you're supposed to do here. He'd want us to go out and play the game."
The effects of Puckett's ordeal may be felt, but most admitted that it's hard to comprehend the situation.
"It just doesn't seem like it's real, what he's going through," Anderson said. "We're hoping that things work out ... it's just been real tough."
Wishing he was here: Realizing just how few of the current Twins players have had the opportunity to meet and get to know Puckett seemed upsetting to Liddle.
Puckett had been involved with the club actively until 2002 but of that Twins team, only Hunter remains of the position players.
"Most of these guys have never really had the opportunity to be around him," Liddle said. "It's something that they've all been cheated on, because he's something special."
Minnesota man: One of the people who may be able to express most how much Puckett has meant to the state of Minnesota as a whole was the Twins starter on Monday, Glen Perkins.
A resident of Lakeville, Minn., Perkins grew up as a big Twins fans and watched Puckett play numerous times. The Twins' first-round pick in the 2004 First-Year Player Draft has never met his boyhood idol. For Perkins, the effect of Puckett still seems to be felt more as a fan than as a player.
"To me, he's the most recognizable athlete Minnesota has ever had," Perkins said. "He's right up there with [Kevin] Garnett ... only because [Garnett's] seven-feet tall. It doesn't get any bigger than Puck. When you think Minnesota, you think Kirby Puckett."
A bit roughed up: With the impressive debut that Perkins made in his first outing this spring, it was easy to forget that he still has limited experience at the Major League level.
That fact was brought back into the spotlight once again on Monday. The left-hander pitched only one inning, facing eight batters and giving up three runs on two hits and three walks. He struggled with control of his pitches, able to only keep his fastball over the plate.
The coaches weren't concerned about the outing. But the fact that Perkins lasted only one inning with his 41 pitches became a bit of a joke with the coaching staff, especially since Perkins got out of having to hit in the National League park.
"We told him in the dugout that if we knew you didn't want to hit that bad, we wouldn't have started you," Liddle said with a chuckle.
Twins tidbits: Backup catcher Shawn Wooten and his wife Marissa are the proud parents of a new baby girl. Kylee Nicole weighed in at nine pounds, two ounces on Monday. Wooten is with his family in the Twin Cities. ... Tony Batista recorded his first hit of the season, a hard grounder to left, in the second inning of the game against the Pirates on Monday. ... Pitcher J.D. Durbin put together a better outing on Monday than his first last week, pitching two scoreless innings while allowing one hit and striking out two.

Source: http://minnesota.twins.mlb.com/

Twins drop close one to Bucs

03/06/2006
Pirates at the plate: Jose Castillo gave the Pirates a 3-0 lead in the first inning with a three-run home run to left field. Jeromy Burnitz went 3-for-3 with two doubles and a home run. Burnitz's first long ball of the spring was a towering shot that cleared the palm trees behind the right-field fence. Ray Sadler put the Pirates ahead to stay with a solo home run in the bottom of the eighth.
Twins at the plate: Terry Tiffee paced the Twins offense with a pair of doubles and two RBIs. Nick Punto went 3-for-4 with a stolen base and Mike Cuddyer pitched in with two base hits, including an RBI single in the third inning on a hit-and-run play.
Pirates on the mound: Victor Santos kept the Twins off the board in the first two innings before getting into trouble in the third. After Cuddyer's RBI single cut Pittsburgh's lead to 3-1, Matt Capps came on to get the final two outs of the third. Ryan Vogelsong, who is competing with Santos, among others, for the Pirates' two open rotation spots, allowed two runs on four hits and two walks in three innings.
Twins on the mound: Starter Glen Perkins struggled through a long first inning. The southpaw walked three, hit a batter and allowed two hits, including Castillo's three-run homer. J.D. Durbin tossed two scoreless innings of relief, allowing just one hit.
Grapefruit League records: Pirates 4-1; Twins 3-3.

Source: http://minnesota.twins.mlb.com/

Mailbag: What are Pridie's chances?

03/06/2006
In all the season previews, there is no mention of Jason Pridie. Where does he fit in? He was valued enough to be a Rule 5 Draft pick and will be lost to the club if he's not on the roster for the season. Will he make the club? -- Lloyd B., Manassas, Va.
Pridie is one of the players who drew a lot of focus when he was picked in the Rule 5 Draft. But exactly what role he will play on the club is uncertain. The Twins certainly have a surplus of outfielders, with Jason Kubel, Lew Ford and Michael Cuddyer all competing for the right field spot. Pridie has gotten some playing time, but not enough to make a huge impression just yet.
The truth, though, is that even if Pridie doesn't make the club, there is a chance he could stick with the Twins organization. A team has two choices when a Rule 5 pick doesn't stick. It can either give him back to his original team or make a Minor League trade with the player's original club. Exactly what will happen to Pridie is unknown, as it is still early in spring. Pridie has shown flashes of strong ability, but whether it will be enough to make a lasting impression that will allow him to stay is still unknown.
What happened to the pitcher the Twins got for Doug Mientkiewicz?-- John P., Whitinsville, Mass.
That pitcher is Justin Jones, who is in Major League camp with the club this spring. Much was said of Jones when he was first acquired, as he is a tall left-hander with some pretty good stuff. The problem is that Jones has been limited by injuries every season since being drafted by the Cubs in the second round of the 2002 First-Year Player Draft. Last season, Jones proved what he can do when he's healthy by going 7-3 with a 3.01 ERA in 13 games at Class A Fort Myers. He struck out 54 batters and earned the Twins' Minor League Player of the Week honors in September. Jones still has the type of pitches that draw attention, as Buster Olney of ESPN.com recently remarked on what he saw of the young pitcher during a day at Twins camp this spring.
During the offseason, there was mention that Toby Gardenhire had signed on with the Twins' Minor League system. He was even scheduled to appear at TwinsFest this year. I was at the TwinsFest all three days, and did not see him on the schedule anywhere, and now I have not heard much of anything about him now that we are getting close to the season. Is he still affiliated with the Twins, and what does his projected future look like in professional baseball? -- Nick H, Maplewood, Minn.
Nick, there is no need for concern, as Toby is still with the Twins organization. The son of manager Ron Gardenhire, Toby was scheduled to be a TwinsFest, but something came up in his schedule that the Twins agreed was a legitimate excuse -- Gardenhire went back to the University of Illinois to accept his Big Ten Championship ring at halftime of the University's mens basketball game against Purdue. As for Toby's future with the club, he still is very young in his development, as he spent all of last season with the short-season Elizabethton team. Gardenhire hit .200 with five RBIs in 30 games.
Why don't the Twins replace their batting instructor? -- Tom R., Rochester, N.Y.
This is a question I have received over and over this offseason, but was hoping people would pick up the answer in the many articles in which it was mentioned. The fact is that the Twins did get a new hitting coach in Joe Vavra. Previously with the Twins as the Minor League field coordinator, Vavra was appointed the team's hitting instructor on Oct. 27, 2005. He has been hard at work already with many of the players, and it will be interesting to see what types of changes are made to the Twins' offense.
When I take a look at the opening month for the Twins, it looks something like this -- at Toronto for three games, at Cleveland for three games, home against Oakland for three games, home against the Yankees for three games, home against the Angels for three games, and then at the White Sox for three games. What sort of rotation are we looking at to start the season, and is it possible to come out of the first month with an above-.500 record? -- Patrick W., St. Paul, Minn.
The schedule definitely looks pretty menacing, that's for sure. Three of those teams, the Yankees, Angels and White Sox, made the playoffs last season and the others have appeared to get better, as well. Toronto has made many improvements this offseason with big-name acquisitions like closer B.J. Ryan and starter A.J. Burnett. The Indians are looking to improve upon a strong run that they made at the end of last season and Oakland is always a strong contender year in and year out.
With all of that being said, it looks like it could be a tough go for the Twins early. I still haven't been able to get a good read on what this offense might be able to do, with so many players gone and others not having too much time in the lineup just yet. The fact is that the rotation likely will have to carry the club in that first month and try to limit these strong offensive clubs if the Twins have any chance of coming out of April with a winning record.

Source: http://minnesota.twins.mlb.com/

Public Puckett tribute to be Sunday

03/07/2006
FORT MYERS, Fla. -- Kirby Puckett was a player known for connecting with fans and now those fans can take part in celebrating his life.
A public memorial service to honor Puckett's life has been scheduled to take place at the Metrodome on Sunday, March 12 at 7 p.m. CT.
The Kirby Puckett Tribute, which can be seen live on twinsbaseball.com and MLB.com, will feature testimonials from some current and former Twin players as well as family and friends of Puckett. Video highlights from Puckett's life and career will also be shown at the event.
Admission to the tribute will be free of charge with general admission seating. The gates to the Metrodome will first open to the public at 6 p.m. on Sunday.
"One thing that was very evident over the past 24 hours is that there isn't a church in all of North America big enough to hold all the people that want to pay tribute to Kirby Puckett," Twins president Dave St. Peter said. "We wanted to provide a venue that all the fans and people in the public who want to take part in celebrating his life and legacy of could fit in and the Metrodome seemed like the only place to do it.
"It seems a fitting place as some call it the House that Puck Built. This was his stage. So come Sunday night we will all gather to shed some tears but also to laugh and cheer and celebrate the life of Kirby."
A private visitation and memorial service will be held by the Puckett family in the Twin Cities earlier that afternoon.

Source: http://minnesota.twins.mlb.com/

Baseball reacts to Puckett's death

03/07/2006
"Kirby was one of my favorites and not just on the baseball field. He was one of the guys that showed me the way. But I wasn't the only one, he touched a lot of people's lives. ... I pattern my game after him. Everything I do is after Kirby Puckett. The way I run. The way I hit. The way I flip my bat on a base hit or a hit back to the pitcher. Everything is off him."
Torii Hunter, former teammate
"The clubhouse was alive when he walked in. I shouldn't say walk in, because he was there before everybody else. It was just amazing. That Game 6 [of the 1991 World Series] -- every day he would put his whole team on his back: 'Hop on, boys.' That was his favorite line -- hop on. 'Puck will take care of you.'
"That's the way you play baseball -- the way he hustled, the way he ran. just having fun. You didn't know if he was 0-for-25 or 25-for-27, you didn't know. He was the same every single day. You need a model in baseball to follow, and I tried to figure out how he did it every day. I tried, but he did it.
"My career -- my career is dedicated to him, that's how much he meant to me. That's how much he meant to a lot of people. He's got plenty of friends in Minnesota who he affected in a positive way. They'll always remember him no matter what issues came about after baseball was over, they'll always remember him in a positive way."
Jacque Jones, former teammate now with Cubs
"I almost break down too when I heard the news yesterday but I tried to hold it in. It's a really tough situation. It's a really hard day, really hard day for all of us. ... Kirby meant to me a lot. For me, it's like my own son. He used to call me Papa, too."
Tony Oliva, Twins Hall of Famer
"It's a sad day for baseball. But you can't help but smile when you think about Kirby. You really did appreciate the way his smile would make you feel when you approached him. You really appreciated his baseball ability. But at a time like this, you think about him as a person. He made the whole organization better -- how good and solid he was in every aspect of the game. ... It bothers me that I can't remember the last time I saw him."
Gary Gaetti, former teammate
"I don't think there is a better compliment that you can hand out to anybody. You can get voted to All-Star Games and that's nice but when you are revered throughout the league and you go to different cities and stadiums and people cheer you, that's pretty good. Not many visiting players get cheered when they go to another park."
Tom Kelly, former Twins manager
"I told (Twins clubbie and Puckett buddy) Clayton (Wilson) to tell Kirby that I loved him and that he taught me a lot about life, and Clayton told him (at the hospital on Sunday), so that was special. ... It's really sad. It's a great person we lost. They always take the good ones quick. ... He always used to say, 'In this game, thing things you can't control, don't worry about them.' I try to pass it on now. That's what I do and that's what I stress to these guys in here. This guy was my idol in the game."
Eddie Guardado, former teammate
"He's at the top of the totem pole. All respect to everybody else like [Harmon] Killebrew, Oliva and [Kent] Hrbek ... those guys are great, too, but Puck's Puck. There was just no one else like him."
Brad Radke, former teammate
"My experience in baseball is that people who have the greatest impact on players is their peers. The manager can only do so much, the general manager can only do so much. When you have guys like Puckett and [Kent] Hrbek and [Gary] Gaetti and [Greg] Gagne on the same team -- there's a saying in baseball that on any 25-man roster you'll have five real good guys and five who aren't so good. And it's which one of those five have the dominant personality to carry the other 15. With the Twins in that period I was there, the five dominant ones were definitely going to swing the 15 to the positive. I think we enjoyed the reputation we had for playing hard all the time, whether we were going to win 90 games or 70 games or whatever in between.
"After we won in '87, we opened one of those souvenir stores in a ritzy galleria. It had a glass door with the big Twins logo. I remember looking at the line to get in and there was a 5-year-old girl looking to get in and she touched the logo and said, 'Kirby Puckett.' "
Andy MacPhail, Cubs team president
"He was the Energizer bunny before the Energizer bunny was cool. He did it in a baseball uniform with sincere, unlimited, legitimate and unbounded joy. ... "[Puckett] was big (in Game 6 of 1991 World Series vs. Braves). He turned the game around with the catch out there (taking home run from Ron Gant in the third inning), and with the home run (off Charlie Leibrandt to win it). It was definitely Kirby in rare form."
John Schuerholz, Braves GM
"He treated everybody as an equal. When we traveled and went into a visiting clubhouse, Kirby knew every clubhouse person, every clubhouse staff member by name. He called every one of them by name. It was as impressive as anything to me, and said a lot about what type of man he was. How many players walk in and say, 'Hey, kid, get me a cup of coffee?' He knew every one by name, knew something about their family. That's how he treated everybody. He's just a tremendous person.
"I've never seen anybody who loved to play the game, who loved to work at the game more than Kirby Puckett. I think a large part of him was lost that day that was taken away from him. I can't imagine how he was able to come to terms with that. Kirby just woke up one day in Spring Training with a little blurry vision and never played again because he had glaucoma. There was no gradual decline of his skills, there was no emotional, 'Well, it's coming to the end for him.' It was all of a sudden done. I'm not sure he was ever able to come to terms to that. I don't know if anybody could."
Randy Bush, former teammate
"We had a game that same year [1991], where it was the eighth inning, we were down by two with two outs, and he came up and hit a bouncer to third that most guys would run out to first base and it would be the third out. He didn't do things that way. The third baseman thought it would be a routine throw across the diamond, but [Puckett] beat it out by a half a step. The next guy came up and hit a home run to tie the game, and we went on to win it in extra innings. His hustle gave us an opportunity to win that game."
Carl Willis, former teammate, now Indians pitching coach
"We had those great competitions with the Twins (when La Russa managed the A's). He was the kind of guy, he had the perfect personality because he would kid around, and then when the game started he would try to beat you. ... He gets in the Hall of Fame after a short career, that shows you his credentials as an all-around player, winning player."
Tony La Russa, Cardinals manager
"It breaks your heart. I talked to my team about it today. When you have all the hardware on the mantle and you've got all the postseason checks and you've got a World Series ring and you've got all that stuff, for every player I think ultimately when you look in the mirror at the end of your career, you ask yourself, 'Was I a good teammate?' Kirby Puckett was the ultimate. That's what everybody said about Kirby Puckett. I told my guys today at the meeting rather than mourn Kirby's passing, I want everybody to shake hands with the guy standing next to him and ask themselves if they're a good teammate."
Jim Leyland, Tigers manager
"At the Hall of Fame, we'd all go downstairs and there's a little lounge down there. And Kirby would get the microphone and start singing, and everybody else would start singing. He was just one of those kind of guys that brought out a lot of fun. ... There's only a few guys I really enjoyed watching play -- George Brett was one, Kirby Puckett and Travis Fryman. When you're a great teammate with a stature that he had, the respect players had for him and what he gave to the other players, you don't see that very often."
Al Kaline, Tigers Hall of Famer
"Everyday people don't understand what he did for everybody and anybody who wore a Twins jersey. That whole group I came up with -- with (Corey) Koskie, (Jacque) Jones, (Torii) Hunter and (A.J.) Pierzynski, the list goes on and on -- he was there every year in Spring Training and you could call him anytime of the day and he'd stop what he was doing to help you out."
Doug Mientkiewicz, former teammate, now with Royals
"In Spring Training, we were playing the Twins in Orlando and I'd heard about this young kid. I was on first base and a guy hits a ball to left center and, nine times out of 10, I'd make it to third. That time I didn't. That time I was out by about 10 feet. He got the ball, got rid of it quick, perfect throw, one-hopper, right on the bag. I'm out." (From the outfield, Puckett playfully wagged a warning finger, Brett said).
George Brett, Royals Hall of Famer
"He played with a lot of energy, he loved the game, was a tremendous hitter and a tremendous competitor. He was what everybody saw out there. You knew he was going to give you a game every at-bat he came up there, and you knew it was a big at-bat, no matter what the situation in the game was."
Mike Mussina, Yankees
"I was catching the night he had his Major League debut. (He had) four knocks. It was in Anaheim. ... He was a great, great player. Even as a visiting player or coach, he was always nice to see. He had a lot of enthusiasm and a lot of energy for the game. He was a pleasure to be around."
Jerry Narron, Reds manager
"What you saw is what you got from Kirby Puckett. If I've heard it once, I've heard it a million times since he died last night. All of the teammates and anybody who was around him -- the guy had an infectious smile; he picked up the team when they needed him most. ... Everybody talks about his home run off Charlie Leibrandt. I was in the tunnel, I was doing pre- and postgame for CBS Radio. I was in the tunnel and I told my engineer, I said, 'This matchup does not favor Charlie Leibrandt.' I didn't know Kirby was going to hit a home run, but I thought he might get an extra-base hit."
John Rooney, Cardinals and former Twins broadcaster
"I scouted him when he was at Triton Junior College in '82 or '83. ... He had an unusual body type for a baseball player. But ran so well, threw so well, and hit line drives all over the place. And I was the only Angels scout who turned him in for the draft that year. He was very impressive. And then I got to meet him just a little bit. The guy was just always full of energy and life. It was a sad moment. Just a horrible moment. ... We're all vulnerable and when our mortality doors are open, it becomes even more so when somebody like that dies we all take a step back and reflect."
Joe Maddon, Devil Rays manager
"I saw him hit a home run off Tom Henke in an extra-inning game. The ball had to be at least eye high. It beat us. He tomahawked it right out of the ballpark. So when we used to have meetings and they'd ask me, 'How do you pitch Kirby?' I said, 'You tell me.' He was a good ball, bad ball hitter. ... I remember he wore us out (in the 1991 ALCS). He made some great, great catches on us."
Cito Gaston, former Blue Jays manager
"I have a lot of good memories about Kirby. When he used to get a base hit, he'd throw his bat and it'd be flying all over the field. He was a unique player. We need some more players in this age and time coming in the big leagues that play like Kirby."
George Bell, former Blue Jays player
"(Game 6 of the 1991 World Series) was classic Kirby. We had just lost three games straight. The team was tense. He walked into the clubhouse before the game and said, 'Don't worry boys, jump on my back. I've got you today, the Puck's taking care of it.' And immediately lightened everybody up. Some players can say that, not many can say it and go out and back it up like he did. That's a great memory that all of us have.
"I can't imagine a player being more beloved than he was and deservedly so. He did no