The 2012 Minnesota Twins Caravan rolled into Sioux Falls today. Pitcher, Anrthony Swarzack, infielders Trevor Plouffe and Chris Parmelee, and broadcaster Dan Gladden all were on hand to sign autographs, answer questions and share a night with some of their most loyal fans.
"It is awesome getting to go to South Dakota, North Dakota and Iowa, and get to meet our fans," Parmelee said. "In my opinoins we have the best fans in the league."
Despite being in great spirits tonight, there is no question Twins' nation expect more from a Minnesota team that went 63 and 99 last season.
"Last year was tough for us," Swarzack said. "We didn't do as well as we would have liked but we have all come back working hard and want to have a better season."
A big part of Minnesota's success will be contingent on a couple of big bats that missed most of last season. In All-Stars, catcher Joe Mauer and first baseman Justin Mourneau.
"The biggest thing is that we are healthy this season," Plouffe said. "We need to get our M&M boys back healthy this season. I spoke to Justin and he is feeling healthy and Joe is in Florida getting ready for the start of the season as well."
However, with news that star slugger Prince Fielder has signed with rival Detroit, pitching will again be key in that AL Central.
"Pitching is going to be a strength of the team this year," Swarzack said. "We have a lot of talent coming into spring training and nothing is guaranteed for any of us."
One thing we are sure of is for the first time in 25 years, the Twins will be without legendary radio broadcaster John Gordon, who retired after last season.
"He wanted to be closer to his family, we have to respect that," Gladden said. "He is probably playing golf somewhere."
But cheer up, it's February and that means that baseball is right around the corner.
"I Told Dan, they lost 100 games and the next year he scored the winning run in the world series," Plouffe added. "It is going to be a good year."
