In “piece of information included in passing that we’re contractually obligated to cover” news:

[Minnesota Twins star Justin] Morneau has been taking infield before every game, and said he also expects to be play some first base before that series in Milwaukee.

“I’ve been over there, trying to keep myself in shape, my legs in shape, and to stay sharp for whenever I get out there,” Morneau said. “It’s just a matter of time.”

Morneau entered Saturday’s game hitting .231 with a homer and two doubles, and said he’s still trying to adjust to serving as designated hitter. He said Thursday that he plans on calling former Twins DH Jim Thome for advice. (via MLB.com)

That call, presented in its entirety, is today’s edition of The Dugout: Opening Days ’12.

[h/t to Matt Dillon]

The Dugout

	** Online Host ** Welcome to the Minnesota Twins Chatroom!
	ZackAndMiriMakeAMorneau: /places phone call
	KingOfPap: filly’s residents this jon how can hep u
	ZackAndMiriMakeAMorneau: Yes hi may I speak with Jim Thome, please?
	KingOfPap: mask whos speakign
	ZackAndMiriMakeAMorneau: This is Justin Morneau of the Minnesota Twins. I wanted to ask Jim for advice about being a DH.
	KingOfPap: /makes airplane noises into phone
	ZackAndMiriMakeAMorneau: uh is here there
	KingOfPap: duno lemme chek JIMMMMMMMMMM /puts down phone JIMMMM FONE
	ZackAndMiriMakeAMorneau: /rubs temples, accidentally touches brain
	KingOfPap:: holn on
	** Online Host ** Five minutes of silence and rustling noises later…
	ZackAndMiriMakeAMorneau: Hello?
	phillie_phanatic: /gestures wildly at phone
	ZackAndMiriMakeAMorneau: Hello?
	phillie_phanatic: /makes “I can’t believe this” gesture to nobody
	phillie_phanatic: /repeatedly hits receiver with party-favor tongue
	ZackAndMiriMakeAMorneau: sigh I knew I should’ve just called Chili Davis
	WordUpThome: WHAT HELLO
	ZackAndMiriMakeAMorneau: Hello?
	WordUpThome: HELLO YES THIS IS A JI
	WordUpThome: JIM
	ZackAndMiriMakeAMorneau: Jim! It’s Justin Morneau from the Twins. How are you?
	WordUpThome: DID YOU KNOW THAT PHILERDELPHIA IS HOME TO THE LIBERTIED BELL I JUST LEARNED THAT LITERALLY JUST LEARNED IT ON PHILERDELPHIA DOT ORG USING COMPTUERS
	ZackAndMiriMakeAMorneau: That’s great. Say, listen, I could really use your advice on something.
	WordUpThome: IS IT HAIRDOS BECAUSE HIGH AND TIGHT IS MY ONLY ADVICE
	ZackAndMiriMakeAMorneau: No, it’s about being a designated hitter. How can I bet the best possible DH?
	WordUpThome: HIT THE BALL HARD AND DON’T FIELD
	ZackAndMiriMakeAMorneau: …
	WordUpThome: …
	ZackAndMiriMakeAMorneau: wait is that seriously it?
	WordUpThome: IT’S DESIGNATED AT HITTER JUSTIN WHAT CAN I TELL YOU IT IS THE BASKET WEAVING OF BASEBALL POSITIONS YOU JUST HIT AND THEN DON’T FIELD AND YOU WIN OR DON’T
	WordUpThome: DID YOU TRY CALLING CHILLING DAVIS HE HAS GREAT ADVICE
	ZackAndMiriMakeAMorneau: No, not yet.
	WordUpThome: HE SAID THE SECRET TO A GREAT BATCH WAS LOTS OF RED ONIONS AND NEGRA MODELO
	WordUpThome: I THOUGHT HE WAS BEING A RACIST ABOUT IMAN FOR LIKE SIX MONTHS BEFORE I REALIZED HE MEANT BEERS
	ZackAndMiriMakeAMorneau: if you HAD to come up with some other ways to be a good DH, what would they be? I play in Minnesota, I really need some help here.
	WordUpThome: HAVE YOU TRIED BEING FAT YET
	ZackAndMiriMakeAMorneau: no not really
	WordUpThome: ACCORDING TO JIM — FAT OR OLD USUALLY WORK
	WordUpThome: IF YOU HAVE TO RUN THE BASES IN A “HOVER AROUND” YOU ARE USUALLY GREAT AT D’ING H. DINGERS O’PLENTY
	ZackAndMiriMakeAMorneau: can you put the bird back on the phone
	WordUpThome: QUERIED ADAM DUNN ABOUT THIS LAST SEASON, HIS RETORT WAS TO MAKE ON THE INFIELD GRASS AND SHOW IT TO ME
	ZackAndMiriMakeAMorneau: or the kid with the airplane noises, I don’t know
	KingOfPap:: stil onna lien
	ZackAndMiriMakeAMorneau: oh, hey.
	WordUpThome: JONATHAN GET OFF THE LINE
	KingOfPap:: u wan play spies
	WordUpThome: GET OFF THE LINE JONATHAN JONATHAN HANG UP THE PHONE
	WordUpThome: HANG UP THE PHONE JONATHAN
	KingOfPap:: u lik chily davist?? lol
	WordUpThome: HANG UP THE
	WordUpThome: THAT’S IT HOLD ON /puts down phone
	KingOfPap:: u play xbogs
	KingOfPap:: brb lol
	** Online Host ** The call has been disconnected.
	ZackAndMiriMakeAMorneau: sighhh
	ZackAndMiriMakeAMorneau: /places phone call
	DudeYerGettinADelmon: speak
	ZackAndMiriMakeAMorneau: Hey Delmon, it’s Justin Morneau. You have any advice on being a good DH?
	DudeYerGettinADelmon: fatten up an brake dem legs

Photos link to player info. WordUpThome.com