Justin Morneau

Justin Morneau conceded that he is still recovering from post-concussion syndrome in an interview with MLB Network.

”Something’s not right,” Morneau said. ”You get hit, and the brain gets knocked off a little bit, you feel like you’re half a second off. When you’re trying to hit, it almost makes it impossible to hit. You feel like the ball’s behind you by the time you recognize the pitches.” Morneau is expected to be available to start the season at first base, but the 30-year-old is clearly dealing with a significant injury. He is under contract for the next two seasons for the remaining $14 million on his six-year, $80 million extension.

Twins general manager Terry Ryan told Phil Mackey of 1500ESPN.com that Justin Morneau’s concussions “have not been an issue right now.”

“I think everything’s pointing toward being OK as we go through January and February,” Ryan said. Morneau has missed 201 games the past three seasons and is far from a lock to play even 130 games in 2012. The Twins let insurance policy Jim Thome walk, as well as Morneau’s 2011 plug-in replacement, Michael Cuddyer. Perhaps they truly believe he can avoid the disabled list next season, but, if not, free agent acquisitions Ryan Doumit or Josh Willingham would likely become miscast as first baseman. “I haven’t had any red flags go up,” Ryan said. “You won’t know until we get to Fort Myers and get him out there for a number of games and at-bats, and the repetitions and things that are going to need to be done for him to be confident he’s going to be able to play 140 games or so. … His wrist certainly is healing, and he should start being able to swing the bat here in the next couple weeks.”

Rhett Bollinger from MLB.com reports that Twins manager Ron Gardenhire expects Justin Morneau to start next season at first base.

Gardenhire added that Morneau — along with Joe Mauer and Denard Span — will report to spring training completely healthy. Still, Morneau’s status at first base will hinge largely on his ability to remain healthy. He’s missed 201 games the past three seasons and is far from a lock to play even 130 games in 2012.

Twins manager Ron Gardenhire told Phil Mackey of 1500ESPN.com that he wants Justin Morneau to decide soon whether he’ll play first base or DH next season.

“And that’s one of the things that Terry (Ryan) and I talked about, making sure before we get too deep into this (offseason), what we’re going to do with Morneau, where he’s going to play, if it’s DH or first base,” said Gardenhire. “Morneau has to eventually tell us what’s right for him, or I’ll make the decision for him and we’ll go from there.” Morneau, 30, is currently working his way back from concussion symptoms as well as surgeries on his left wrist, right foot and left knee. The Twins aren’t counting on him, but it would certainly seem as though a move to the DH spot would be best for the team, Morneau’s long-term health and fantasy owners alike.