--RHP Joe Nathan, sidelined more than a week because of because discomfort in his right shoulder, returned to action March 8. He threw a 1-2-3 inning against the Orioles and said he felt fine.

--SS Nick Punto has never been to Italy, but he couldn't turn down a chance to wear the uniform of his great-grandparents' homeland. Punto left the Twins on March 1 to join the Italian WBC team, where he was expected to lead off and play shortstop. "My great-grandparents were full-blooded Italian, but they passed away before I made the majors," Punto said. "So I know that a part of them is looking down on me and smiling when they see that 'Italia' jersey. I'm doing it for them."

--3B Joe Crede played the field for the first time in his new uniform on March 3, "and naturally, the first inning, he has to dive and fall on the ground," manager Ron Gardenhire said. "But he looked like he was moving around pretty good." Crede is returning from back surgery last winter and still isn't completely in shape, but the Twins have been happy with his progress, both at the plate and in the field.

--LHP Francisco Liriano has developed his changeup to the point where it could be his out pitch, manager Ron Gardenhire said. That's a significant step for Liriano, since he is reluctant to throw his slider with the same frequency or velocity as he did before Tommy John surgery. "With his fastball, I could see him becoming a guy who features (his changeup) and makes a living off of it," Gardenhire said. "Bust guys inside, then get them with the change, just like (Johan) Santana."

BY THE NUMBERS: 20 -- Runs allowed by Twins pitching over their first nine spring training games, a 2.20-per-game average.

QUOTE TO NOTE: "You want to win when you're representing your country. It could be ping-pong or baseball or hockey or whatever." -- Justin Morneau, on the importance he's placing on Team Canada's success in the World Baseball Classic.