I think this concussion thing has gotten a little out of hand. Even with morneau, I dont question it wasnt legit, but after a while I think it got to the point where doctors were freaking him out into feeling symptoms that werent there. A caffeine withdrawal headache is not a concussion symptom!
I'd trade Perkins for this guy. I hate the closer role. The best pitcher in the bullpen only gets used for three outs in the 9th when there's a lead? Drives me crazy. Perkins showed a few cracks in the armor anyway.
Kind of odd that a barely major league caliber player thinks he can tell his team what positions he will and won't play. Spring training 2012 he made it very clear he didnt want to play 1st base (the easiest position on the field). Instead he wants to stay in the outfield butchering balls worse than any Twin I've seen in recent memory. Trade him please. Give him away. Release him. I dont care.
Anderson has always seemed incapable of getting through to his pitchers the importance of pitching inside. He has called them out in the media a couple times. They dont seem to get the message. The frustrating thing is its not even an intimidation thing. Its just to keep hitters off balance. Make them move their feet. Not allowing hitters to get comfortable. Such a simple concept.
Maybe Nolasco can teach Rick Anderson a thing or two. Baker, Slowey, Blackburn literally seemed scared to pitch inside. I honestly think they were mortified the hitter would stare them down or, gulp, CHARGE THE MOUND!
It was sad AJ's Twins career ended the way it did. Its a shame they couldnt have found a way to keep both him and mauer. In hindsight maybe AJ and Mauer should have split the catching/DH duties 50/50.