THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
MINNEAPOLIS -- Justin Morneau says he's "hopeful" he'll be strong enough to start the season at first base for the Minnesota Twins.
The former American League MVP has been beset by all kinds of injuries the last two years. In 2011, he had four surgeries -- and suffered another concussion.
Speaking to reporters at the team's annual fan festival on Friday night, Morneau of New Westminster, B.C., said he's "right on schedule" in his recovery from left wrist surgery in September. He also had operations on his neck, knee and foot last year and finished with only four home runs in 69 games.
Morneau says he thinks back to the way he was hitting in July 2010 "to use it as a positive" and encourage himself when his swing doesn't feel right.
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