It's a bit of a risk, considering how quickly pitchers will be expected to compete, and one Twin in particular understands the gamble that even the WBC's pitch limits can't eliminate. Ayala, who will sign his contract and formally become a member of the Twins on the first day of camp, was a major casualty of the 2006 WBC.

While pitching for Mexico, Ayala tore a ligament in his elbow, had to undergo Tommy John ligament-replacement surgery, and missed the entire season. His ERA still hasn't recovered; both of his seasons since returning have been less successful than the three that preceded the injury.

Still, the Twins accept the risk as part of the tournament, an event the franchise supports.

"You hope nothing happens to them," general manager Bill Smith said, "but we absolutely believe players should be allowed to represent their country. We wouldn't deprive our players of that."

One Twins player decided on his own not to participate in the WBC.

Lefty Francisco Liriano, who came back from Tommy John surgery last season, won't pitch for the Dominican Republic. He will remain in camp with the Twins and focus on remaining healthy this year.

At the Twins' request, Liriano pitched only 11 innings during the Dominican winter league, taking the mound for just four short starts in order to avoid overworking himself.

WHERE, WHEN: Hammond Stadium, Fort Myers, Fla. First exhibition game is Feb. 25 against Boston.

TOP CANDIDATE TO SURPRISE: LF Delmon Young's first season in Minnesota was widely considered a disappointment; he generated only 10 home runs and was exposed defensively by the Metrodome's spacious left field. Even manager Ron Gardenhire seemed to give up, saying this winter that he preferred an outfield of Denard Span, Carlos Gomez and Michael Cuddyer. But persistent trade rumors never panned out, and Gardenhire cleared the air with Young in January. Considering Young is only 23, there is still plenty of time to develop his power stroke.

TOP CANDIDATE TO DISAPPOINT: LHP Jose Mijares was anointed the Twins' chief setup man for closer Joe Nathan after only 10 lights-out September appearances. But the Venezuelan reliever has only five games of experience at Class AAA, missed most of 2008 after breaking his arm in a car accident, and walked out on his winter league team after a dispute with the manager. So while the 24-year-old is expected to thrive in his new role, "He's going to have to earn it in camp," general manager Bill Smith said.

AUTHORITY FIGURES: Manager Ron Gardenhire's 622-512 record includes only one losing season in his seven-year career, but driving his inexperienced 2008 roster within one win of the playoffs might have been his most remarkable job yet. Gardenhire is excellent at keeping his entire roster happy, but he'll face a difficult test this year in finding playing time for four outfielders. Gardenhire's life is made easier by pitching coach Rick Anderson's ability to develop young pitchers into a quietly effective rotation.