Thursday, March 12th

Yesterday the Twins finally got their hitting going accumilating 17 hits against the Orioles in a 4-3 win. Michael Cuddyer and Jason Kubel each had 3 hits. Joe Crede finally had his first grapefruit league hits going 2-4. The Twins pitchers continue to get ready for the season as Glen Perkins got the start. Perk went 3 innings and gave up 2 runs and wiggled out of a bases loaded jam in the 3rd inning. Nick Blackburn came in relief and pitched a clean 4th inning. Blackburn will make his return to the starting staff on Sunday against the Marlins. Joe Nathan struggled a bit giving up a run in his one inning of work.

• The Twins got some good news on Joe Mauer front. It was revealed that he has inflammation in his back. The good news is this has nothing to do with his kidney surgery. The plan is they are intensifying his anti-inflammatory medicine hoping to get the inflammation out. If the medicine work he might be ready for opening day. My feeling is take care of it and if it takes 2 weeks great. If it takes a month thats fine too just take care of it so we won't have to worry about it in July and August.

• Today the Twins bring in their 10-3 spring record to Bradenton to take on the Pirates. Scott Baker gets the start for the Twins. Gametime is at 12:05pm this afternoon.