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FORT MYERS, FLA. -- The Twins are slowly learning what it's like to have Livan Hernandez on the mound.
After getting knocked around in previous starts, the veteran had his best outing of the season in Friday's 3-2 loss to Philadelphia.
Making his fifth start of spring training, Hernandez held a watered-down Phillies lineup to two runs on three hits and one walk over five innings. He struck out six batters and said afterward that it was the best command of the strike zone he's had during spring training.
Maybe he really is building for the season. This is the same Hernandez, 1-2 with a 8.00 ERA, who promised that the "light's going to be on" March 31 -- Opening Day against the Angels.
"One more start, then I go to Minnesota, where it's cold,'' joked Hernandez, who spent two seasons in Montreal.
Hernandez, who watched Toronto steal three bases off him in his last outing, was pleased that he worked on his slide-step delivery with pitching coach Rick Anderson between starts and didn't have problems holding runners on base Friday.
But he does have a deliberate approach that the Twins must get used to.
"It's not going to be quick games with him,'' Twins manager Ron Gardenhire said. "He is going to take his time. That's the way it's going to be. We are trying to adjust to him.''
LA VELLE E. NEAL III
Minnesota Twins players worked as waiters Sunday night to raise money for the Boys and Girls Club.
Animation created by Mortenson Construction showing the process of building the new Twins stadium.
One year ago this week, the first Web cam image of the new Twins ballpark construction site was taken. Today, the Twins released a one minute time lapse movie of how the construction has progressed over the past year.
Twins fans and players alike shrugged off the snow for opening day and heralded the arrival of the baseball season.
Twins catcher Mike Redmond talks about his hopes for the season and how things are going this spring. Final of nine in a series leading up to Opening Day.
Twins pitcher Boof Bonser talks about his hopes for the season and how things are going this spring. Eighth of nine in a series leading up to Opening Day.
Twins infielder Nick Punto talks about his hopes for the season and how things are going this spring. Sixth of nine in a series leading up to Opening Day.
Twins first baseman Justin Morneau talks about his hopes for the season and how things are going this spring. Fifth of nine in a series leading up to Opening Day.
Twins second baseman Brendan Harris talks about his hopes for the season and how things are going this spring. Fourth of nine in a series leading up to Opening Day.
Twins shortstop Adam Everett talks about his hopes for the season and how things are going this spring. Third of nine in a series leading up to Opening Day.
Twins third baseman Mike Lamb talks about his hopes for the season and how things are going this spring. Second of nine in a series leading up to Opening Day.
Twins catcher Joe Mauer talks about his hopes for the season and how things are going this spring. First of nine in a series leading up to Opening Day.
Twins coach Ron Gardenhire is looking for Nick Punto to improve offensively and for Brendan Harris to be patient at the plate, but the competition for second base is close.
Assorted Minnesota Twins read reader-submitted Haiku with flair ... or not.
Michael Cuddyer says he's probably a natural fit to lead the team since he's got the most experience with the organization.
Baseball writers La Velle E. Neal III and Joe Christensen think Wednesday's lineup against Boston features the A-listers or as close as it can be given the tough competition.
Francisco Liriano's success will be about patience, according to Twins pitching coach Rick Anderson.
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Admittedly, Twins coach Jerry White believes the race for the center field spot is wide open because the competitors each bring a lot.
Just previewing a bit of our Haiku footage, Twins pitcher Boof Bonser waxes poetic with a Haiku donated to the Section 220 blog.
Writer LaVelle E. Neal III and Twins fans agree -- spring training is about the sun, the fun and access to the team.
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Twins need to score runs, take the presure of starters
I will admit that I am more than a bit nervous about the starting rotation. But I believe the Twins have one of the best bull pens in the … read more League, if they can score some runs, they should be able to make it interesting. If the team struggles to score runs, it could be a long season.
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