Twins Goal in 2014, “More Wins”

Jamestown (CSi) On a very un-summer-like day, the Minnesota Twins’ 54th annual Winter Caravan traveled Monday to Valley City, at Mo Eats (formerly the Broken Spoke) and later in the morning traveled by bus, in near blizzard and sub zero wind chills, to Jamestown, at the Quality Inn & Suites.

On hand with the  caravan were the M.C. of the event, former Twin and Baseball Hall-Of-Famer and Twins broadcaster Bert Blyleven.

Also in town were catchers coach, Terry Steinbach, Twins pitcher Anthony Swarzak, infielder Trevor Plouffe, and mascot TC Bear.

Blyleven opened the event by noting the Twins made good acquisitions in the off season, but added that improvement is needed in starting pitching and that a couple of more pitchers are needed in the starting rotation.

He pointed out that the Twins have good young prospects who may make the team this season, in addition to prospects in the Twins minor league system.

Blyleven feels confident the Twins will be competitive this summer in the American League Central Division.

Anthony Swarzak, who led the major leagues, in innings pitched in 2013, with 96, said he will serve in the Twins in either the reliever or the starting pitcher role, what ever role he can best serve the team.

Blyleven said Swarzak played a big role in the Twins bullpen last season.

Steinbach said catching is looking good in 2014 with the addition of Kurt Suzuki and two young prospects, now that Joe Mauer has moved to 1^st base, full time.

Plouffe added that in 2012 he knew he could hit in the big leagues and is gaining more confidence, with his major league  experience.

All indicated the goal for 2014 is “more wins.”

The Twins note that the Winter Caravan stops in nearly 50 communities throughout Twins Territory and is one of the longest and most extensive team caravans in professional sports.

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