Joe Mauer's sore back might turn out to be the best development of the Twins' training camp because it has provided them with the element they were missing most: doubt. 

--C Joe Mauer reported progress in his efforts to rid his lower back of persistent pain but gave no hint of when he might be able to work out again, much less play. 

The Twins are no closer to figuring out how to wedge four outfielders into three positions, but training camp convinced them it's a great problem to have, especially since the offense is a question mark until Joe Mauer is ready to play. 

Brad Penny, still in contention for the fifth spot in the Red Sox rotation, gave up two runs in four innings Saturday and Boston beat the Minnesota Twins 9-4. 

James Shields joked that he might have to get sent back to the minor leagues following a performance that was no laughing matter. 

Think the stock market is tough to figure out? Try deciphering the volatile AL Central. 

It took doctors in three cities more than a week of consultation, but Joe Mauer finally received confirmation of what's causing his sore back. 

--LF Delmon Young lined a home run barely inside the foul pole against the Pirates on March 18, but what he did in his four other at-bats was even more notable. 

The Twins liked the team that missed the playoffs by one game in 2008, and they are willing to bank on internal improvement by the young players to make up that margin this year. 

It took doctors in three cities more than a week of consultation, but Joe Mauer finally received confirmation of what's causing his sore back. 

--LF Delmon Young lined a home run barely inside the foul pole against the Pirates on March 18, but what he did in his four other at-bats was even more notable. 

The Twins liked the team that missed the playoffs by one game in 2008, and they are willing to bank on internal improvement by the young players to make up that margin this year. 

Micah Owings' wildest performance of the spring probably didn't hurt his chances all that much. 

It took doctors in three cities more than a week of consultation, but Joe Mauer finally received confirmation of what's causing his sore back. 

--LF Delmon Young lined a home run barely inside the foul pole against the Pirates on March 18, but what he did in his four other at-bats was even more notable.