Andrew Miller is glad spring training is longer this year because of the World Baseball Classic. 

Kidney surgery isn't a normal baseball injury, so Ron Gardenhire admits there have been moments when he feared Joe Mauer's slow recovery this spring might be a sign of something more serious. 

--RHP Scott Baker has been inconsistent this spring as he wrestles with his breaking-ball control, but the Twins see potential greatness in the 27-year-old. 

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. 

Kidney surgery isn't a normal baseball injury, so Ron Gardenhire admits there have been moments when he feared Joe Mauer's slow recovery this spring might be a sign of something more serious. 

--RHP Scott Baker has been inconsistent this spring as he wrestles with his breaking-ball control, but the Twins see potential greatness in the 27-year-old. 

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. 

The father's voice rang out over the crowd in the little stadium issuing advice to the struggling hitter. 

Francisco Liriano surrendered his first home run of the spring on Friday, but the Minnesota Twins' pitcher has not lost his focus on returning to his 2006 form. 

Minnesota Twins catcher Joe Mauer will see a doctor in Baltimore on Saturday to get a second opinion on his ailing back. 

Minnesota Twins catcher Joe Mauer will see a doctor in Baltimore on Saturday to get a second opinion on his ailing back. 

Minnesota Twins catcher Joe Mauer will see a doctor in Baltimore on Saturday to get a second opinion on his ailing back. 

2009 Game of the Week Begins Saturday, April 11 at New Time: 4 p. 

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. 

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.