--SS Nick Punto's grandparents are from Italy, which makes him eligible to play for its national team in the World Baseball Classic. And that's something the Southern Californian would like to do. "I think it would be a cool experience," Punto, who is awaiting official clearance from the Italians, told the Minneapolis Star-Tribune. "And I would get to learn a little more about my heritage."
--C Joe Mauer was left off the preliminary Team USA roster for the World Baseball Classic, as expected, but there remains a remote chance that the All-Star catcher could be added later. Mauer underwent kidney surgery in December, and doctors expect he will need until mid-February to recover enough to endure full workouts. If he makes faster progress than expected, however, he could still play in the WBC. Final rosters are not due until Feb. 24. --RHP Joe Nathan was included among the initial Team USA invitees, after he met with national team officials at the winter meetings in December and volunteered to participate. Nathan pitched three scoreless innings in the 2006 Classic, striking out five.
--3B Joe Crede remains a possible option at third base for the Twins, the St. Paul Pioneer Press reported, but Minnesota has some questions about whether the Metrodome's field turf might cause Crede's troublesome back injuries to recur. A contract offer to the White Sox free agent is unlikely until later this spring, when Crede has worked out enough to prove the injury, which limited him to 97 games last year, has healed.
--2B Alexi Casilla had a home run and four RBIs through the first nine games of the postseason round-robin in the Dominican winter league. Casilla, who hit seven home runs for the Twins last year, is hoping to add more power this season, his first as the projected Opening Day starter at second base.
BY THE NUMBERS: 2 -- Managers employed by the Twins since 1986, a reflection of owner Carl Pohlad's belief in stability.
QUOTE TO NOTE: "He lived the American dream. He made something out of nothing." -- Bob Pohlad, at the funeral of his father, Twins owner Carl Pohlad.
