Live from Fort Myers

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Last update: February 27, 2007 - 7:46 PM

Scrimmage sets stage for big boys

Bring on the Red Sox and Yankees.

The Twins defeated Concordia (St. Paul) 7-2 in their annual scrimmage Tuesday, using almost all minor leaguers, while the big boys geared up for their first two Grapefruit League contests -- at the Boston Red Sox and at the New York Yankees.

Garrett Jones and Alexi Casilla had three hits apiece against Concordia, and Matthew LeCroy added a two-run double. But it was merely a tuneup for the -- um, real tuneups -- for the Twins.

Tonight, Matt Garza will oppose Boston's Curt Schilling on the opposite end of Fort Myers.

On Thursday, the Twins bus to Tampa to play the Yankees, and backup catcher Mike Redmond was extremely fired up this week when reigning MVP Justin Morneau agreed to make the long trip.

"To me, that was cool," Redmond said. "... That's why we did what we did last year. The guys -- they're hungry. It doesn't matter where we play, we're ready to go."

Heckler alert

The Twins also play the Yankees in Tampa on March 14, so manager Ron Gardenhire planned accordingly with the M&M Boys.

Remember: Morneau edged Yankees shortstop Derek Jeter for the MVP, and Joe Mauer edged Jeter for the batting title.

Knowing the boos those two probably will hear from Yankees fans, Gardenhire decided they should go in shifts.

"Somebody's going to take some heat," Gardenhire said, "so I figured it'd be Morneau this time."

JOE CHRISTENSEN

LET'S MEET ...

Mike Venafro, lefthander

Age: 33 • Ht: 5-10 • Wt: 180

2006: Posted a 2.45 ERA in seven games for the Rockies.

Scouting report: Venafro has a sidearm delivery, and has been effective getting lefthanded hitters out in the past.

Outlook: The Twins have talked about keeping a second lefthander in the bullpen, with Venafro and Randy Choate the top candidates to join Dennys Reyes.

CAMP CHATTER

"Andy's got [Matt Garza] starting opening day down here. That's awesome. Tells me a little something about my pitching coach. Either he's nuts, or he likes him a lot."

Twins manager Ron Gardenhire, referring to Rick Anderson's decision to start Garza tonight vs. Boston

BEST OF THE BLOGS

La Velle E. Neal III: I got [to the Twins-Concordia (St. Paul) scrimmage] just in time to see Alexander Smit get knocked around a little bit by the metal bat-wielding Golden Bears. Someone hit a long homer off him. The 'ping!' is still ringing in my ears.