"I think I might not go. I might stay here, so I can make sure I make the team," Liriano said.

His spot in the rotation really isn't at risk, not after going 6-1 last season after rejoining the Twins in August. But Minnesota undoubtedly wouldn't mind avoiding the risk of injury, particularly in a pitcher only two years removed from Tommy John elbow surgery.

"I back Frankie on whichever way he goes," manager Ron Gardenhire said. "I will never stand in the way of a guy representing his country. But if he would like to stay, I've got no issue with that at all."

Liriano hopes baseball fans in the Dominican Republic don't, either. The Dominicans are considered one of the tournament favorites, but the pitching staff will still have Fausto Carmona and Pedro Martinez.

"They might understand, because this is my career (at stake) here," said Liriano, who spent three months in the minor leagues last season. "They know I have to make this team."

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.