Tsuyoshi Nishioka looks to pull his own weight in 2012

SUITA, Japan (Kyodo) — Minnesota Twins shortstop Tsuyoshi Nishioka is hoping to use his disappointment from his rookie season last year as a springboard for growth this coming season.

“Last year was a real struggle. I want to bounce back and go forward,” said Nishioka, who hit just .226 and was limited to 68 games after breaking his left fibula one week into his major league career.

The 27-year-old Osaka native held a practice at a facility in Suita, Osaka Prefecture, where he focused on lower body exercise. Nishioka said he is aiming to get back up to speed to the time he won the 2010 Pacific League batting title with the Chiba Lotte Marines in Japan.

“The power they have in the majors is incredible. In 2010, I ran a lot and won the batting title. I want to concentrate on running like I did two years ago and strengthen my lower body,” said Nishioka.

After his injury on April 7, which came as a result of New York Yankee outfielder Nick Swisher sliding into second base in an attempt to break up a double play, Nishioka returned to start against the Chicago White Sox on June 16. But he was shut down for the remainder of the season on Sept. 16 with a strained right oblique.  “I think I might have been too gung ho last year. I put too much pressure on myself in spring training. This time I want to make sure I am physically solid so I am prepared to play aggressively,” he said.

Nishioka has a $9 million contract over three years with a club option for 2014 or a $250,000 club buyout with the Twins.

via Baseball: Nishioka looks to pull his own weight in 2012 – The Mainichi Daily News.