Same goes for Blake Griffin, last year's top NBA pick who sat out his rookie season with a broken kneecap, and Minnesota Twins relief pitcher Joe Nathan, healthy and productive for seven straight years before going out with a shoulder injury this season.

FORBES: The Talent

There won't be many Scots in the side for the start of the season, but the Portuguese twins Marco and Flavio Paixao look like they could bring some variety and competition for places.

BBC: Hamilton Accies: season preview

Gardenhire took over in Minnesota before the 2002 season after Tom Kelly managed the Twins for over 15 years.

WSJ: Gardenhire, Girardi, Manuel facing the pressure