Justin Morneau's breakout season has propelled him into the running for the American League's Most Valuable Player award and the Twins into the thick of the playoff race. (Ann Heisenfelt/Associated Press)
Profile
Twins' engine
Canada's Morneau powering Minnesota's playoff push
By Doug Harrison, CBC Sports
Four hours before game time on Aug. 18, 2006, an anxious Justin Morneau politely tells a reporter over the phone he needs to attend batting practice.
When things are going as well as they are for Morneau, sticking to routine is critical.
But before hanging up, the Minnesota Twins first baseman takes time to reflect on a June series in Seattle, where he saw his season batting average dip to .235.
"There wasn't anywhere to go but up," a laughing Morneau told CBC Sports Online recently. "I just wanted to get a hit so bad. I had to learn to be more patient."
So how did the 25-year-old native of New Westminster, B.C., deal with a battling slump that had plagued him since the second half of last season?
"I started hitting earlier batting practice," the left-handed hitting Morneau said. "I started feeling good, stood better [on my back foot] to better recognize pitches and got a little confidence."
The extra practice paid off for Morneau, who went on to hit safely in 10 straight games and 26 of 27 to raise his average to a season-high .300.
Morneau didn't stop there, either, batting .410 in July with eight home runs and 23 runs batted in.
Through Aug. 27, Morneau was hitting .319 with 32 homers and stood fifth in the major leagues with 110 RBIs in 124 games.
As impressive has been his ability to stay healthy, following an injury-riddled 2005 campaign that saw Morneau battle a concussion and strained left elbow that affected his swing.
Morneau continued to struggle with a bone spur and tendinitis in the elbow during spring training this year, while his previous on-field troubles appeared to be a thing of the past.
However, the infielder's health was again questioned in late April when he was batting a paltry .208 with 22 strikeouts in 21 contests.
A frustrated Morneau sought the help of Twins hitting coach Joe Vavra, who worked on strike zone recognition with the slugger and encouraged him to lay off bad pitches.
"He certainly has the talent to be one of the [American League] leaders [in batting average] and have a productive career," Vavra told Sports Online.
With an improved focus, Morneau began to see positive results against both right-handed and left-handed pitchers.
"He re-dedicated himself to making every at-bat count," said Vavra. "He started being a little more patient and has realized how to keep his shoulder closed a little longer, so he can turn on the ball."
On Aug. 9 in Detroit, Morneau launched a 99-mile-per-hour fastball from Tigers relief pitcher Joel Zumaya over the right-field fence at Comerica Park to become the first Twins player since 1987 to hit 30 home runs in a season.
"When I hit Number 29, I started thinking about [reaching 30]," Morneau said. "It was nice to get it out of the way, so I don't have to face any more questions at spring training.
Morneau is the first Twins player in nearly a two decades to hit 30 home runs in a season. (Ann Heisenfelt/Associated Press)
"It's not good for my game if I'm going to the plate just thinking about hitting homers."
At the time, Vavra wondered whether Morneau would continue his torrid pace after accomplishing the feat or suffer a letdown.
He chose the torrid pace. The six-foot-four, 225-pound Morneau quickly jumped back in his groove following a couple of hitless outings against the Toronto Blue Jays.
"He's learned how to keep his hands back and keep square without opening his hip too quick," Vavra said. "He has an unusually quick swing for a big guy."
A big guy who is now being mentioned as a candidate for most-valuable-player honours in the AL along with Boston Red Sox designated hitter Dave Ortiz and New York Yankees shortstop Derek Jeter.
But more importantly, Morneau's success is a big reason Minnesota is in contention for the AL Central division title and a wild-card spot.
The surging Twins had won 50 of their previous 74 games as of Aug. 24, after posting a losing record through May (24-28).
When asked if he would prefer the wild-card race to be determined during Minnesota's season-ending series against the visiting Chicago White Sox, Morneau replied, "Yeah, as long as we make it [the playoffs].
"We have a pretty good rivalry. We like beating them as much as they do us. We have to get it done."
Having a healthy and productive Morneau on board will only enhance the Twins' chances.
Quick Facts
Born: May 15, 1981 in New Westminster, B.C.
High school all-star: Led the New Westminster High School to the national championship in 1997 and 1998.
Multi-sport athlete: Also played high school basketball and hockey. In 1998, he won Canadian junior hockey's Memorial Cup as a member of the Portland Winter Hawks.
Drafted: Was selected by the Twins in third round, with 89th overall pick of the 1999 amateur draft.
Making a splash: Made his big-league debut on June 10, 2003. He didn't become the Twins' everyday first baseman untill 2004. He played in 61 games that season, hitting 19 home runs in 280 at-bats.
Wearing the flag: Played for Canada at the inaugural 2006 World Baseball Classic.
