KANSAS CITY, Mo.
Twins center fielder Denard Span, recovering from migraines triggered by a June 3 concussion, has had two good days in a row and spoke about possibly returning to the lineup as soon as the homestand starting Friday against the Indians.
But Span also acknowledged he worries about his long-term ability to play baseball the way he did before colliding with Kansas City catcher Brayan Pena on June 3.
Since then, Span has played just 10 games and batted .051 (2 for 39). Asked if he has any doubt he'll be healthy next season, he said, "A little bit, honestly."
"I've had a little time to think, because I haven't played in so long," he said. "When you don't play, you start thinking about things, like: 'You know what? What if I never return back to the same level I played at before I got hurt?' You start thinking about stuff like that.
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"So there is a little doubt in my mind, but I'm putting all my faith and trust in God that, you know, no matter what happens, I'll be OK with it."
2012 schedule
The Twins will start the 2012 season April 6-8 with a three-game series at Baltimore before opening at home April 9 against the Los Angeles Angels, they announced Wednesday.
Interleague play at Target Field will include series against the Chicago Cubs (June 8-10), Philadelphia Phillies (June 12-14) and Milwaukee Brewers (June 15-17).
Road interleague series will be against the Brewers (May 18-20), Pittsburgh Pirates (June 19-21) and Cincinnati Reds (June 22-24).
Soft?
After yet another discussion about concussions Wednesday, manager Ron Gardenhire was asked if former baseball players believe modern players are coddled.
"You don't think there are opinions out there that these players are soft? You don't think old-timers are saying that?" Gardenhire said. "They say that about all parts of the game: 'I once had a bone sticking out of my elbow when I was hit!' That's what old-timers do: 'I walked five miles to school with no shoes on!'
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"That's one of the great things about that game, all the old stories and opinions. Is it different? Absolutely. There's more knowledge (about concussions)."
Briefly
Ben Revere stole three bases Wednesday in the Twins' 7-3 loss to Kansas City, his 28th, 29th and 30th of the season, pulling him within one of the Twins' rookie record of 31, set by Luis Rivas in 2001.
Michael Cuddyer and Trevor Plouffe each snapped 0-for-20 skids. Cuddyer went 2 for 3 with a triple, an RBI and a run scored. Plouffe went 1 for 3 with a walk; he also committed his ninth and 10th errors of the season.
Distributed by MCT Information Services
