--3B Joe Crede will hold another workout for scouts, including at least one from the Twins, a week before spring camps open, agent Scott Boras said. The Twins remain interested in the former All-Star but have doubts about his ability to stay healthy while playing on the Metrodome's artificial turf. Crede, who missed most of August and September because of a back injury, is believed to be seeking a raise from his $5.1 million salary of a year ago.
--RHP Matt Guerrier had already purchased a plane ticket to Phoenix for an arbitration hearing when the Twins called Feb. 5 with a proposal: Let's split the difference. Minutes later, a deal was struck that will pay the reliever, whose 76 appearances led the American League last year, $1.475 million in 2009, the halfway point of the sides' arbitration filings. Guerrier had sought $1.75 million, while the Twins had offered $1.2 million. --RHP Luis Ayala, who converted nine of 11 save opportunities during the Mets' stretch drive in 2008, will be given a shot at the Twins' setup job after agreeing to a one-year, $1.3 million deal with Minnesota on Feb. 6. Ayala, 2-10 with a 5.71 ERA for the Nationals and Mets last year, can earn nearly $600,000 in incentives with the Twins, who have sought a way all winter to add depth to their bullpen.
--DH Jason Kubel's knee has been sound for three seasons, but the Twins were reluctant to commit $7.1 million to the 26-year-old slugger without reassurance. The need for a comprehensive physical exam held up Kubel's new two-year contract for more than a week, but doctors finally cleared Kubal and the two sides formalized their deal Jan. 30. The contract gives the Twins an option for 2011, Kubel's first season of free agency eligibility, for $5.25 million.
--LF Delmon Young has lost some of the weight he gained during the final two months of the 2008 season, when a nagging ankle injury limited his workouts. He has begun a series of intense workouts in preparation for his second season in Minnesota. "I feel really good right now," Young told mlb.com. "At one point, my body composition had changed a lot, but my weight stayed the same. Now, since we've been doing more power-lifting the last month, the weight has been coming off. I just feel good."
BY THE NUMBERS: 2 -- Number of groundskeepers employed by the Twins since they moved to Minnesota in 1961, after the hiring Feb. 4 of Nationals groundskeeper Larry DiVito to oversee Target Field, which opens in 2010. The Twins hired Dick Erickson in 1961, and he handled Metropolitan Stadium until the team moved indoors to the Metrodome in 1982.
QUOTE TO NOTE: "Last season's (88-75 record) was, candidly, beyond our expectations. I think you have to have high, high expectations (for 2009)." -- Owner Jim Pohlad.
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