Wednesday, March, 4th

Yesterday the Twins played the Puerto Rican World Baseball Classic team in Fort Myers and defeated them 3-2. There are several notes from the game that I thought that were noteworthy.

• The Twins pitchers continue to impress this spring as Scott Baker bounced back from a tough first start by throwing 3 shutout innings. I was also impressed with Kevin Mulvey, who I think has a shot at the last bullpen job if Philip Humber were to falter, pitched a good inning. The only one that was not very impressive was Anthony Swarzak who gave up 2 runs in his only inning of work and if it not for a wonderful defensive play by Danny Valencia would of given up more so that is a little disappointing.
• Joe Crede got his first hit and first rbi's as a member of the Twins. Jason Kubel seems ready for the season going 3-3 at the plate for the Twins.
• The real only concern was Carlos Gutierrez getting roughed up for the Puerto Rican team. If you didn't know Gutierrez is a Twins prospect playing for Puerto Rico in the WBC. He only lasted 2/3 of an inning and gave up 2 runs and 3 hits. Even though it was a rough outing it was a good test for Gutierrez because most of the starters were still in the game so he can go back and see what he needs to work on. I expect him to start the season in Fort Myers, but could move quickly.
• Today, the Twins travel to Bradenton to take on the Pirates. I would not expect the Twins to take very many starters today considering its a nice bus trip up there. Francisco Liriano makes his 2nd spring start and tries to rebound from a tough first start. RA Dickey, Craig Breslow, Jose Mijares, and Bobby Keppel are scheduled to pitch in relief today. Gametime is at 12:05pm.