Denard Span answering the tough questions amid a crazy few months of activity
Minnesota Twins centerfielder Denard Span has experienced a very eventful last few months.
Span's first bit of significant news took place in November, when the Twins traded fellow outfielder Carlos Gomez to the Milwaukee Brewers for shortstop J.J. Hardy. This transaction cleared the way for Span to assume the role of the Twins' everyday centerfielder.
The current of good news continued for Span during spring training, when he inked a 5-year/$16.5 million extension with the Twins. At this point, it became abundantly clear that Span would be the heir apparent to Kirby Puckett and Torii Hunter in the line of great Minnesota Twins outfield generals.
Span's luck took a brief turn for the worse, on March 31, during a Grapefruit League game at Legends Field in Tampa, Florida. While batting against New York Yankees pitcher Phil Hughes, Span lined a foul smash into the stands. Amazingly, the ball struck a woman named Wanda Wilson, who happened to be Span's mother. Ms. Wilson was shaken up, but not seriously injured from the screaming ball. All parties gasped a large sigh of relief after a scary couple of minutes.
Span's 2010 regular season can be characterized as a strong effort, as the season moves towards the All-Star break. Going into Thursday's game vs. the Tampa Bay Rays, the leadoff hitter boasts a .282 BA, 3 HR, 34 RBI, 33 BB, 15 SB and 49 runs scored.
His greatest performance of the season took place on Tuesday vs. the Detroit Tigers. During the 11-4 Twins victory, Span legged out three triples, tying a Major League record.
Span has undoubtedly accepted his hugely important role with the team. These duties include the necessary interaction with the organization's large and loyal following of fans. Below is a great piece of video exhibiting this circumstance.
The setting is last winter's TwinsFest at Mall of America Field. During the event, Span answers some very “loaded” questions from a group of young and inquisitive Twins fans.
