2013 is a big season for the former MVP, Justin Morneau. The first baseman/designated hitter is entering the final year of his contract with the Minnesota Twins.

Since Morneau's MVP season in 2006 with the Twins, where he batted .321, hit 34 home runs, and batted in 130 runs, the Canadian has battled injuries (concussions and back) and hasn't been the same. Before last year, he hadn't played more than 81 games, but for the Twins a year ago, he hit .267 with 26 doubles and 19 home runs in a 134 games.

It appears his confidence is up and yesterday, Morneau asked manager Ron Gardenhire if he could play first base in today's game against Toronto. He's played eleven innings the last two days, and was going to play designated hitter today. Last year, he didn't play in three straight road games until March 22-24. He also has has three RBIs after two games, something he didn't get until March 24 a year ago, too. This year, we are still in February.

Morneau is going to play in next week's World Baseball Classic, and he told Phil Mackey of ESPN 1500, "I'm not going to proclaim anything, but I feel strong. I think for me, as most guys, with strength comes confidence, and that's something, when you feel prepared and you feel strong, confidence kind of follows. So hopefully that continues and I'm able to maintain that through the spring and into the season."

Morneau is 31 years old now, and it appears the former MVP is ready to make a statement and he will need to if he hopes to stay with the Minnesota Twins in the long run.

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