He's had concussions before, and while much is unknown about these brain injuries, one concussion is thought to make the next all the more likely, and there is doubtless some cumulative effect as well.

Under those circumstances, a batting helmet — even the newfangled helmets the major leaguers are resisting on the basis of their dorky appearance — may not be sufficient protection from a fastball to the noggin. Or a shortstop's knee in the temple, as in Morneau's early-July injury.

So the Twins will stick for the foreseeable future with Michael Cuddyer at first, as they did last season down the stretch, and the heedless will deride Morneau as soft.

Which he isn't. Even if he were, so what? We each get one brain to play with per lifetime and no more.