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Meeting today could finalize Nathan deal

Last update: March 24, 2008 - 12:59 AM

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The way the MLB schedule is set up, Central division hitters have seen a lot of Santana in recent years and that has contributed to his … read more "decline" if you want to call it that. He should have plenty of success with the Mets, but I think the trade will benefit the Twins more than the Mets in the long run.

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FORT MYERS, FLA. - Dave Pepe, the agent for Twins closer Joe Nathan, will meet with the club today to try to complete negotiations on a contract extension.

There are only minor details left to discuss on the deal, which is believed to be for four years for at least $11 million a year. Indications are that the sides are still working on how the contract is being structured as well as what type of no-trade clause -- if any -- will be included.

Nathan said Sunday that nothing has changed but that he remained optimistic a deal was close.

The Twins tried to sign Nathan to an extension before the 2007 season but were unsuccessful. There were indications that the Twins would look to deal Nathan after Johan Santana was traded in February, but the club decided to try to stabilize the position for the next few years.

Perkins sent down

Twins manager Ron Gardenhire could tell that lefthander Glen Perkins was "frustrated" about being cut from training camp.

Perkins entered spring training with a shot to make the club as a starter or a reliever but didn't look sharp while posting a 7.50 ERA over 12 innings. When told he was being sent down, Perkins wanted to know why he didn't get more chances to start.

"He was good about it, just frustrated and confused, as he put it, that he had a good start and never had a chance to start again," Gardenhire said. "You only have so many starts here. When you have two starters in the same game, one guy is going to start, one guy is the next guy in line and that's kind of like a start.

"He understood. He was still frustrated. That's fine. I want him to go down there and pitch with an attitude. ... He's a good pitcher. He has a bright future. He needs innings. That's what we want to see."

Gardenhire and pitching coach Rick Anderson decided that Perkins, who pitched only 282/3 innings last season because of a strained muscle near his left shoulder, needs to sharpen his pitching as a starter at Class AAA Rochester.

"The best thing for him and the ballclub is to stretch him out," Gardenhire said.

Rule 5 news

The Twins and Nationals have agreed to a deal that will allow Washington to keep outfielder Garrett Guzman, who was selected from the Twins in the Rule 5 draft in December. The Twins will receive a player to be named later, likely a low-level minor leaguer. The Twins also lost righthanders R.A. Dickey (Mariners) and Tim Lahey (Cubs via Tampa Bay) in the Rule 5 draft. Both have a chance to stick with their new clubs.

Upcoming

Righthander Brian Bass will start at 12:05 p.m. today against the St. Louis Cardinals at Fort Myers, Fla.

Righthander Casey Daigle and lefthander Dennys Reyes are scheduled to pitch as well. Righthander Brad Thompson will start for St. Louis.

LA VELLE E. NEAL III

Time lapse of 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.

Snow doesn't dampen opening day spirit

Twins fans and players alike shrugged off the snow for opening day and heralded the arrival of the baseball season.

Twins video player card: Mike Redmond

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 video player card: Boof Bonser

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 video player card: Nick Punto

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 video player card: Justin Morneau

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 video player card: Brendan Harris

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 video player card: Adam Everett

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 video player card: Mike Lamb

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 video player card: Joe Mauer

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.

Training camp: The battle for second base

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.

5-7-5: Twins are poets, don't 'cha know it?

Assorted Minnesota Twins read reader-submitted Haiku with flair ... or not.

Cuddyer is ready to lead the Twins

Michael Cuddyer says he's probably a natural fit to lead the team since he's got the most experience with the organization.

Who's going to make Twins roster?

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.