Another Injury Plagued Season?

Spring Training is just underway and already, the Twins are dealing with a common foe: injuries. So far this year, the plague has focused its attention on the pitching staff. Grant Balfour had a minor forearm problem, Jessie Crain tweaked a hamstring and Terry Mulholland went down for a few days with bronchitis. But other players aren't immune. Infielder Nick Punto, who will battle for the starting shortstop position, went down with a strained back on Tuesday.

Granted, none of these is serious. Unless they become worse, these conditions will be forgotten about by the time the Twins open their season. But one can't help but be reminded of how injury plagued the Twins have been over the past three seasons.

Joe Mauer, Cory Koskie, does anyone remember what Joe Mays looks like in uniform? The Twins haven't had an easy time of it over the past few years, but they seem to fight through. The last three seasons, all of which have seen the Twins injury ridden, have all resulted in Division Championships.

So bring on the injuries. Fate can throw whatever it wants at this team. They won't be phased and, unlike their counterparts from Chicago, they won't use injuries as an excuse. The Twins will fight through. They will make it four in a row, regardless of who gets injured.