NEW YORK -- When Justin Morneau was kneed in the head while sliding into second base to break up a double play against the Blue Jays last July 7, he knew right away that he was hurt. The Twins' All-Star first baseman remained on the ground for a few moments, slowly removed his helmet and eventually was helped to his feet before walking off the field with a dazed look.
He'd had a concussion earlier in his career after a beaning, so he had some idea of how serious the injury can be. He took a few days to rest, figuring he'd be back inside a week.
But in retrospect, he said, he really had no clue. He wound up missing the rest of the 2010 season, a total of 81 games, and wasn't back on the field in a full-time capacity until midway through spring training last month.
