AP - Minneapolis, MN

On the heels of his mega-contract extension and an exceptional spring by top catching prospect Wilson Ramos, the Twins announced today via press release that Joe Mauer will play first base to begin the 2010 season.

The infield shakeup was unexpected and leaves many wondering about the timing. However, on the eve of their first exhibition game at Target Field, the news has baseball insiders singing the Twins’ praises.

One analyst from ESPM the Megazine called the move “brilliant, shrewd and wow dude.” He added, “It makes the Twins the favorites to win the AL Pennant and clearly the best baseball team in Minnesota.”

With the move, Justin Morneau will fill the seemingly endless carousel at third base. Morneau has not played the hot corner since junior high, but said, “I will do anything if Gardy thinks it’ll help us win games.” As the reporter made an inappropriate gesture, Morneau added, “But I won’t do that.”

Accompanying the bombshell announcement, the Twins also announced that Jim Thome, who last pitched for Peoria High School, may be called upon to close games as part of the “closer by committee.”

Filed under: Jim Thome, Joe Mauer, Justin Morneau, Ron Gardenhire