Hernandez might get ball Opening Day

Last update: March 12, 2008 - 6:57 AM

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FORT MYERS, FLA. - Livan Hernandez has made seven career Opening Day starts, and the Twins are leaning toward giving him another one this year.

"We're kind of trying to go with that, but we'll see how everything goes," manager Ron Gardenhire said. "He should be the guy."

Hernandez lowered his spring training ERA to 8.00 in Tuesday's 7-1 loss to Tampa Bay, giving up two runs on three hits in four innings.

Hernandez, 33, said Gardenhire has spoken to him about pitching the season opener March 31 against the Angels.

"I'm really happy," he said. "It's an honor."

Hernandez is 3-3 with a 4.98 ERA in his previous Opening Day starts. His first one came in 1998 for the Marlins, and his most recent one came in 2006 with the Nationals.

"If there's a young guy who deserves the chance to be the Opening Day starter, you put him out there," Gardenhire said. "It's just one of those situations where [Hernandez] can handle it. He's done it. He kind of fits the mold.

"Opening Day can be pressure ... and we don't want to put too much on our young guys."

Center field update

The Twins have talked about a three-way battle for center field between Carlos Gomez, Denard Span and Jason Pridie, but Gardenhire said it'll probably be Gomez or Span with Pridie fighting for a reserve outfield spot.

Either Gomez or Span will start in center for the Twins, and the other will start in center at Class AAA Rochester, Gardenhire said.

Pridie is the only one who could make the big league team in a bench role.

"It looks like they're a little more talented, but I like [Pridie]," Gardenhire said. "If we have an issue, I think we can put him in there, and he'd be just fine."

Santana pays a visit

Johan Santana worked out with his New York Mets teammates before their game against Boston in Fort Myers on Tuesday and then stopped by the Twins complex to see his old teammates.

Santana, who still has a house in Fort Myers, visited with Gardenhire and pitching coach Rick Anderson for about 45 minutes after the Twins-Rays game.

"I could spend all day in there," Santana said as he left Gardenhire's office.

Etc.

• Scott Baker, who felt a twinge in his right side area Saturday, will have a bullpen session today before the team decides when to insert the righthander back into the rotation.

• Nick Punto went 0-for-2 with a walk, leaving him at 1-for-13 (.077) for the spring.

• Mike Lamb, out since Thursday because of a strained left hip, said he hopes to return to the lineup Friday.

• Delmon Young went 0-for-3 in his first game against the Rays since his trade that brought him to the Twins.

Up next

Francisco Liriano, who pitched 12/3 innings Friday in his spring debut, makes his second start today. The Red Sox will counter with Clay Buchholz.

JOE CHRISTENSEN