Morneau expected back for spring training By QMI Agency

Minnesota Twins Justin Morneau reacts after striking out against the Boston Red Sox during the first inning of their MLB American League baseball game at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts May 8, 2011. (REUTERS/Adam Hunger)

Canadian Justin Morneau says he won't know if he has recovered from his latest concussion until he starts swinging a bat and playing catch.

But the Minnesota Twins first baseman expects to be ready for the first spring training workout, Feb. 24.

"I won't know how my body is going to react until I do baseball activities," Morneau said in an e-mail to the St. Paul Pioneer Press.

"I also have no way of knowing how my body will react to spring training and the grind of playing every day. I am very optimistic that everything will be back to normal."

Morneau's past two seasons have been ended by concussions. The 30-year-old was having a monster 2010, batting .345 with 18 home runs and 56 RBI, when he took a knee to the head July 10 from Toronto Blue Jays shortstop John McDonald.

On Aug. 28 last year, Morneau was hurt while diving for a hard grounder. Concussion problems aside, he also needed wrist, knee and foot surgeries during the off-season.