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Last update: February 26, 2007 - 11:25 PM

Actual games just around the corner

The Twins worked hard on rundown plays Monday as their spring training opener nears. The only problem is that the coaching staff were the baserunners, so it wasn't exactly game conditions.

Righthander Brad Voyles, who has little chance at making the team, showed off a big-breaking curveball as he got Denard Span, Michael Cuddyer and Matthew LeCroy swinging at air a couple of times. But that happens a lot during the early stages of live batting practice.

A funny moment occurred when minor league lefty Jason Miller threw a cut fastball, confusing batter LeCroy, who made a face like he had just swallowed molasses after lunging at the late-breaking pitch. LeCroy, a catcher, had just warmed up Miller in the bullpen, but said he didn't throw any cut fastballs.

Righthander Scott Baker threw in the bullpen and concentrated on keeping the ball down in strike zone, where his fastball has more movement.

The Twins play Concordia (St. Paul) at 9:30 a.m. today. The Twins then will play at Boston on Wednesday night in the Grapefruit League opener. Carlos Silva is scheduled to face Curt Schilling.

COACHES CORNER

Former Twins catcher Terry Steinbach will leave camp today after working with the catchers over the last week. He was asked about a pop-up drill he ran on Sunday during which only a couple balls were misplayed among the few dozen sent into the sky.

"You should've saw the first day," he said. "Everyone was dropping them. Joe Mauer, he caught only two of 10."

It reinforces the need for spring training.

LA VELLE E. NEAL III

LET'S MEET ... .

Ricky Barrett, lefthander

Age: 25 • Ht: 6-foot • Wt: 192

2006: 5-1, 3.42 ERA at Class AAA Rochester . . . held opponents to .191 batting average.

Scouting report: Barrett is on the verge of breaking into the majors as a reliever, but he has had problems staying healthy (pitched in only 27 games last season). Has a live arm; His fastball usually comes in around 88 miles per hour but can hit 93. He also has a slider, curve and changeup. Will dominate hitters at times. Will walk the park at other times. He's about to turn 26, so it's time for him to be consistent.

Outlook: Will start the season at Rochester but could be called up if something happens to Dennys Reyes.

CAMP CHATTER

"They will run a CAT scan on his brain. We'll find out if he has one."

Twins manager Ron Gardenhire, on Matt Garza's sore neck and headaches

BEST OF THE BLOGS

La Velle E. Neal III: Kevin Slowey's control is impressive. ... I'm confident, barring injury, that Slowey will debut this year.

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