GM Smith says Morneau 'increasing his workload'; Twins 'optimistic'
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Minnesota Twins first baseman Justin Morneau hasn't played a baseball game since a knee to the head on July 7 gave him a concussion that effectively sidelined him for the rest of the season.
With spring training approaching -- pitchers and catchers report on February 17 -- Morneau is currently working out in Arizona.
General manager Bill Smith said via email that Morneau is "increasing his workload," and that the team is "optimistic he will be ready for Spring Training."
Smith declined to elaborate on exactly what Morneau's current workouts consist of, but he acknowledged that the first baseman will likely be adding more baseball activities to his repertoire in the weeks leading up to spring training.
Morneau told a TV station in Canada last week that he wouldn't normally resume baseball activities until mid-January under normal circumstances.
As of early December, Morneau was not partaking in baseball activities, but team doctors told Smith "repeatedly" that his former MVP shouldn't have any troubles being ready for spring training. The plan throughout the winter called for a slow ramping-up process.
Full squad workouts begin on February 23.
Morneau was on pace for a career season in 2010, hitting .345/.437/.618 with 18 home runs and 56 RBIs through 81 games prior to the injury.
