Twins Spring Training

[Durango53]

The Twins and reigning American League MVP Justin Morneau will resume talks on a multiyear contract during spring training.
http://www.startribune.com/509/story/1010724.html

[Durango53]

Twins pitcher Sidney Ponson wouldn't divulge his current weight, but he didn't look close to the 280 pounds he was rumored to be last season, when he was 4-4 with a 5.24 ERA in 14 games with the Cardinals and 0-1 with 10.47 ERA in five games with the Yankees. "He looks like he's in decent shape," said closer Joe Nathan, Ponson's teammate in 2003 in San Francisco. "So hopefully he'll get back to the form I saw him in in 2003 when he takes the ball and he can chew up some innings and go deep into games." Ponson's arm definitely has improved. He said he has pitched the past three to four seasons with bone chips in his elbow. He had surgery to remove them in October. "My arm felt better right when I came out of surgery," he said.
http://www.startribune.com/509/story/1010551.html

[Panzram]

Twins | Nathan eager to start contract talks
Tue, 20 Feb 2007 00:57:30 -0800

The Minneapolis Star-Tribune's La Velle E. Neal III reports the Minnesota Twins have expressed interest in extending CL Joe Nathan's contract, but Nathan said the club has not initiated talks. He is still optimistic that something will be worked out once the club contacts his agent, Dave Pepe. Nathan is making $5.25 million this season, the final year of a two-year extension he signed in 2005. The Twins hold a $6 million option for 2008.

[Panzram]

Twins | Hunter arrives in better shape than 2006
Wed, 21 Feb 2007 00:46:32 -0800

The Minneapolis Star-Tribune's La Velle E. Neal III reports Minnesota Twins OF Torii Hunter arrived in camp on Feb. 20, noting how much better he feels physically than last spring, when he was still recovering from breaking his ankle in July 2005. "I'm 100 percent," Hunter said. "You better watch out; it's going to be scary. I'm actually ready to go. I gained like 4 or 5 pounds, but I'm still agile, just to get a little more power. I've been working on my sprints, too. My goal is to steal a lot more bags and hit some home runs."

[Durango53]

This almost certainly is the beginning of the end of Torii Hunter's tenure in Minnesota. Hunter, 31, is entering the final year of his contract after the Twins exercised a $12 million option. He said there are too many other key contracts on the Twins' priority list and knows there probably won't be enough money left over to keep him in Minnesota. "I ain't stupid," said Hunter, reiterating that he would like to spend his entire career with the Twins. "I know how this organization works. But (team owner Carl) Pohlad might just say, 'I'll sell one of my buildings,' so anything's possible. But (contractually) I'm here for one more year, so I'm trying to enjoy it and win a World Series." Hunter said he has not talked to the club about an extension and doesn't expect to before the season begins. General manager Terry Ryan said it's "not necessarily" a foregone conclusion that Hunter will be gone after this season but declined further comment.
Posted F

[Durango53]

Former U.S. Senator George Mitchell's steroid investigation pushed forward on Tuesday, when more information was sought from the Twins. Twins President Dave St. Peter confirmed the Tuesday meeting, which included officials and lawyers from Major League Baseball, the Twins and the Twins' medical staff. "These are additional people they are talking to," St. Peter said. "People they didn't interview last summer when we went through this in Minnesota."
http://www.startribune.com/509/story/1014572.html

[Durango53]

With the contracts of Torii Hunter, Luis Castillo, Carlos Silva and Ramon Ortiz set to expire after this season, the Twins could clear $25.2 million off the books to try to lock up Michael Cuddyer and Justin Morneau. The team is expected to begin talks with Johan Santana during spring training on a contract extension. He has two more seasons remaining on an original four-year, $40 million deal.
http://www.twincities.com/mld/pioneerpress/sports/16744741.htm

[Durango53]

So far, Twins manager Ron Gardenhire likes what he sees from pitcher Sidney Ponson. "Right up to this point we like the way he is working," he said. "He fits in very nicely here. He's doing all the work. He's got a good smile on his face. That's fun to see."

[Panzram]

Twins | Silva trying to regain sinkerball pitch
Wed, 21 Feb 2007 18:57:05 -0800

La Velle E. Neal III, of Star Tribune, reports Minnesota Twins SP Carlos Silva has spent the offseason trying to regain his sinker pitch. He worked with a personal trainer in November, and with his winter league team, Caribes, so he could refine his mechanics. He will also continue to work on a split-fingered fastball pitch that he developed in his last start of last season.

[Panzram]

Twins | Durbin throws off mound
Thu, 22 Feb 2007 00:25:17 -0800

The Minneapolis Star-Tribune reports Minnesota Twins P J.D. Durbin (biceps), who is recovering from nerve damage in his right biceps, threw off a mound Feb. 22 for the first time since June.

[Panzram]

Twins | Ortiz clears up visa issues
Thu, 22 Feb 2007 00:24:22 -0800

The Minneapolis Star-Tribune reports with his visa problems cleared up, Minnesota Twins SP Ramon Ortiz now plans to travel from the Dominican Republic to Fort Myers on Feb. 22 and participate in the Feb. 23 workout.

[Durango53]

Twins CF Torii Hunter is so close to free agency, he can taste it. After another offseason salary explosion, he'd be hard-pressed not to test the market. He's about eight healthy months from getting offers in the $90 million range. Hunter, 31, said the team hasn't approached him about a long-term deal. He said any talks would have to come during spring training. "Once the season starts it's over," he said. "I'm 100 percent focused. I won't be a distraction. That's why I really don't want to talk contract [publicly]. It sounds selfish when you're trying to win a division or things like that." Hunter always has said he wants to stay with the Twins.

http://www.startribune.com/179/story/1014824.html

[Durango53]

Even though the Twins signed Sidney Ponson to a minor league contract, they expect him to win a job in the starting rotation, manager Ron Gardenhire said Wednesday. "I view [Ponson] being one of our starters," Gardenhire said. "I expect him to step up and take one of those jobs. Whether it happens or not is totally up to him." Spring training will create a wide-open competition behind ace Johan Santana, of course. But in a perfect world, the Twins would like to break camp with veterans Carlos Silva, Ramon Ortiz and Ponson behind Santana. That would leave youngsters Boof Bonser, Scott Baker, Matt Garza, Glen Perkins and Kevin Slowey to compete for a fifth spot.

http://www.startribune.com/509/story/1017200.html

[Panzram]

Twins | Jones getting outfield work
Sat, 24 Feb 2007 08:54:16 -0800

Kelly Thesier, of Minnesota.Twins.MLB.com, reports with Minnesota Twins 1B Justin Morneau entrenched at first base, the Twins are giving 1B Garrett Jones some work in the outfield. They hope Jones will be able to play at different positions so they can keep him on the big-league roster.

[Panzram]

Twins | Rabe's back problem clears up
Sat, 24 Feb 2007 08:58:50 -0800

Kelly Thesier, of Minnesota.Twins.MLB.com, reports Minnesota Twins OF Josh Rabe's back problem has cleared up and he is expected to participate in the team's workout Sunday, Feb. 25.

[Panzram]

Twins | Velazquez a camp no-show
Sun, 25 Feb 2007 14:30:28 -0800

Minnesota Twins IF Gil Velazquez had not yet arrived at spring training camp, as of Friday, Feb. 23, according to Kelly Thesier of Minnesota.Twins.MLB.com.

[Panzram]

Twins | Casilla a camp no-show
Sun, 25 Feb 2007 14:14:53 -0800

Minnesota Twins IF Alexi Casilla had not yet arrived at spring training camp, as of Friday, Feb. 23, according to Kelly Thesier of Minnesota.Twins.MLB.com.

[Panzram]

Twins | Garza suffers mild neck strain
Sun, 25 Feb 2007 14:41:38 -0800

Minnesota Twins SP Matt Garza (neck) suffered a mild strain in his upper neck, Saturday, Feb. 24, according to Kelly Thesier of Minnesota.Twins.MLB.com. He is not expected to miss any time. "He said he felt something high in his neck that was making it hard to turn and throw the ball," manager Ron Gardenhire said. "But he should be fine."

[Panzram]

Twins | Cirillo suffers neck injury
Sun, 25 Feb 2007 14:41:39 -0800

Minnesota Twins 3B Jeff Cirillo (neck) had to leave workouts, Sunday, Feb. 25, after suffering a neck injury, according to Justice B. Hill, for Minnesota.Twins.MLB.com.

[Panzram]

Twins | Mijares leaves team
Sun, 25 Feb 2007 14:46:01 -0800

Minnesota Twins P Jose Mijares left camp to travel back home to Venezuela, after hearing that his brother Jackson was shot and killed, Friday, Feb. 24, outside a bar in Caracas. Two other relatives were shot and wounded in the incident, according to Kelly Thesier of Minnesota.Twins.MLB.com.

[Panzram]

Twins | Rotation set for first five games
Mon, 26 Feb 2007 12:53:07 -0800

The St. Paul Pioneer Press reports Minnesota Twins SP Matt Garza will start against the Boston Red Sox Wednesday, Feb. 28, in the team's first exhibition game. He will be followed on successive days by starting pitchers Carlos Silva, Ramon Ortiz, Boof Bonser and Johan Santana.

[Panzram]

Twins | Ponson will have to leave camp for a few days
Mon, 26 Feb 2007 12:28:04 -0800

The St. Paul Pioneer Press reports Minnesota Twins SP Sidney Ponson has not obtained the proper work visa from his native Aruba and will have to leave the Twins training camp for one or two days to sort out the issue. It is expected Ponson won't have a problem clearing up the issue and it will be taken care of later in the week.

[Panzram]

Twins | Crain signs three-year contract
Tue, 27 Feb 2007 07:07:53 -0800

Twins.MLB.com reports Minnesota Twins RP Jesse Crain signed a three-year contract Tuesday, Feb. 27. Financial terms were not disclosed.

[Panzram]

Twins | Liriano may never entirely be saved, says manager
Wed, 28 Feb 2007 01:44:12 -0800

According to The St. Paul Pioneer Press, the Minnesota Twins have started pondering whether anything can be done to help SP Francisco Liriano (elbow) avoid further arm problems. The all-star pitcher is out for the season after undergoing reconstructive elbow surgery and is expected to start throwing late this summer. "The big thing is how much can an arm handle with that arm speed he has, and we all saw the violent throwing motion where he spins in a circle," manager Ron Gardenhire said. "Will he get back to that? Can he get back to that? Or should he? Those are all questions we have."

[Durango53]

Twins | Liriano may never entirely be saved, says manager
Wed, 28 Feb 2007 01:44:12 -0800

According to The St. Paul Pioneer Press, the Minnesota Twins have started pondering whether anything can be done to help SP Francisco Liriano (elbow) avoid further arm problems. The all-star pitcher is out for the season after undergoing reconstructive elbow surgery and is expected to start throwing late this summer. "The big thing is how much can an arm handle with that arm speed he has, and we all saw the violent throwing motion where he spins in a circle," manager Ron Gardenhire said. "Will he get back to that? Can he get back to that? Or should he? Those are all questions we have."

One thing we always heard when the Twins got him from the Giants was he got hurt quite a bit....

[Panzram]

Twins | Hunter could play Friday
Fri, 2 Mar 2007 01:45:41 -0800

Updating a previous item, The St. Paul Pioneer Press reports Minnesota Twins OF Torii Hunter (fingernail) is expected to play in the Twins' spring training home opener March 2 against the Cincinnati Reds.

[Panzram]

Twins | Team signs Bonser
Fri, 2 Mar 2007 15:21:14 -0800

USAToday.com reports the Minnesota Twins signed P Boof Bonser to a one-year contract for 2007. Financial terms were not disclosed.

[Panzram]

Twins | Team signs DePaula
Fri, 2 Mar 2007 15:53:39 -0800

USAToday.com reports the Minnesota Twins signed P Julio DePaula to a one-year contract for 2007. Financial terms were not disclosed.

[LesPaul]

Kyle Lohse left the game with a mild strain after hitting Torii Hunter in the head with a wayward pitch


:nono1:

Lohse felt remorse for it and him and Hunter had played a game of poker the night before, maybe Hunter won big? :D

[Durango53]

I bet they wasnt playing with pennies.

[Panzram]

Twins | Ford will not undergo surgery
Mon, 5 Mar 2007 09:44:57 -0800

Kelly Thesier, of Minnesota.Twins.MLB.com, reports Minnesota Twins OF Lew Ford (knee) will not have to have surgery after experiencing tightness in his knee while running Saturday, March 3. Ford will continue to do rehab, although it is unclear when he will be able to return to a game.

[Durango53]

Congrats to Gary Gaetti who will be inducted into the Twins Hall of Fame when the Twins celebrates the 20th anniversary of its 1987 WS Win!!!!!!

[Panzram]

Glen Perkins (P)
3/12: Glen Perkins looked good in his first start of the spring Sunday, working three innings and allowing an unearned run. Apparently, he's actually in the mix for a spot at the back of the Twins rotation, according to the Pioneer Press. Matt Garza, Boof Bonser, Kevin Slowey and Sidney Ponson are the others in the mix for the last two spots, though Bonser appears to have the edge at this point for the one of the spots.

[Panzram]

Boof Bonser (P)
3/12: Boof Bonser tossed four hitless innings Monday while striking out three. Bonser is technically in competition for a starting job this spring but figures to come away with a job unless he struggles big time.

[Panzram]

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Twins | Velazquez reassigned
Tue, 13 Mar 2007 01:04:48 -0800

The Minneapolis Star-Tribune reports the Minnesota Twins have reassigned IF Gil Velazquez to the team's minor-league camp.


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Twins | Feiner reassigned
Tue, 13 Mar 2007 01:04:26 -0800

The Minneapolis Star-Tribune reports the Minnesota Twins have reassigned C Korey Feiner to the team's minor-league camp.


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Twins | Christy reassigned
Tue, 13 Mar 2007 01:04:07 -0800

The Minneapolis Star-Tribune reports the Minnesota Twins have reassigned C Jeff Christy to the team's minor-league camp.


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Twins | Morales reassigned
Tue, 13 Mar 2007 01:02:28 -0800

The Minneapolis Star-Tribune reports the Minnesota Twins have reassigned C Jose Morales to the team's minor-league camp.


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Twins | Sosa reassigned
Tue, 13 Mar 2007 01:01:56 -0800

The Minneapolis Star-Tribune reports the Minnesota Twins have reassigned P Oswaldo Sosa to the team's minor-league camp.


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Twins | Voyles reassigned
Tue, 13 Mar 2007 01:01:30 -0800

The Minneapolis Star-Tribune reports the Minnesota Twins have reassigned P Brad Voyles to the team's minor-league camp.


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Twins | Smit reassigned
Tue, 13 Mar 2007 01:01:03 -0800

The Minneapolis Star-Tribune reports the Minnesota Twins have reassigned P Alexander Smit to the team's minor-league camp.


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Twins | Barrett reassigned
Tue, 13 Mar 2007 01:00:19 -0800

The Minneapolis Star-Tribune reports the Minnesota Twins have reassigned P Ricky Barrett to the team's minor-league camp.


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[Panzram]

Twins | Mijares optioned
Tue, 13 Mar 2007 17:50:00 -0800

The Seattle Post-Intelligencer reports the Minnesota Twins have optioned P Jose Mijares to Double-A New Britain.

[Panzram]

Twins | Simonitsch optioned
Tue, 13 Mar 2007 17:46:34 -0800

The Seattle Post-Intelligencer reports the Minnesota Twins have optioned P Errol Simonitsch to Triple-A Rochester.

[Durango53]

Justin Morneau said talks of a multiyear deal came to an end last weekend