Perkins continues on track

By JOE CHRISTENSEN, Star Tribune

Last update: February 26, 2008 - 12:35 AM

FORT MYERS, FLA. - Lefthander Glen Perkins missed 3 1/2 months because of a shoulder injury last season, and when he returned to make seven scoreless appearances for the Twins in September, it was a big boost mentally.

So far, he seems to be carrying that momentum into spring training.

Perkins whizzed through another live batting practice session Tuesday, leaving him on track for a relief appearance in Thursday's Grapefruit League opener against Cincinnati.

Scott Baker will start that game, and Perkins will follow.

"I feel even better than last fall when I came back," Perkins said. "I feel like I was never even hurt. I have no reservations about doing anything."

Last May 21 at Texas, Perkins walked off the mound, clutching his left arm after straining a muscle in the shoulder.

Perkins, who turns 25 Sunday, said he wanted to return to the mound in September "so I could get out of my head that the last time I was on the mound, I was hurt."

Perkins finished with a 3.14 ERA in 19 appearances, spanning 28 2/3 innings. This spring, the former Gophers pitcher from Stillwater is a candidate to be either a starter or a reliever on the Opening Day roster.

No progress with Nathan

One week after manager Ron Gardenhire declared, "I think we're close" to signing closer Joe Nathan to a contract extension, talks remained at an impasse.

Both sides want to know if an agreement is possible before spring training ends, but the negotiations have been at a standstill for nearly three weeks.

The Twins are believed to be considering a three-year extension, with a bonus that would bring Nathan's 2008 salary of $6 million on par with the rest of the deal.

Nathan said he is not discouraged.

"It's not about losing hope," he said. "If we can't get something done, so be it. We'll move on."

Etc.

• As expected, Francisco Liriano obtained his visa Monday, clearing the way for the lefthander to travel from the Dominican Republic to Florida today before working out with the Twins on Wednesday.

• To make room on the 40-man roster for Livan Hernandez, the Twins passed outfielder Darnell McDonald through waivers and assigned him to Class AAA Rochester. McDonald, who played four games with the Twins last July after getting traded from Washington, remains in big league camp.