Florimon says Herman is hero
Shortstop Pedro Florimon on Thursday looked about 20 feet to his left at Twins director of team travel Mike Herman and referred to him as "my hero" for taking him to the hospital at 2 a.m. Monday when he came down with pains that led to his appendix being removed.
Florimon, back in the Twins clubhouse for the first time since surgery, said he went to bed at around 10:40 p.m. Sunday but woke up around a little before 2 a.m. in serious discomfort. He went down to the lobby of the hotel he's staying at for medication. That didn't work.
"I had to call somebody," Florimon said. "The first number I saw was Mike."
He called Herman, who then picked up Florimon and took him to a hospital, where he was diagnosed with an inflamed appendix. The laparoscopic procedure requires about two weeks of rest before he can start any activities. He cannot lift any weights right now.
"They will see what will happen over the next couple of days," Florimon said of the Twins medical staff. Florimon is scheduled to be checked out again Saturday.
Kubel arrives
Jason Kubel reported to camp and soon had a group around his stall in the clubhouse that included Matt Guerrier, Glen Perkins and Josh Willingham.
The Twins hope Kubel can regain the hitting stroke he had with them from 2008-10, when he averaged 23 homers and 91 RBI. Kubel battled two injuries to his quad last season as he skidded to a .216 batting average with five homers and 32 RBI in 97 games for Arizona and Cleveland.
Manager Ron Gardenhire expects the old Kubel to return this season — as long as he remains healthy.
"At one point he was one of our best hitters in the organization," Gardenhire said. "He's still got a lot left in him, he's healthy. His legs are healthy. He's in great shape. We are excited to have him in camp; now we will see what he does on the field. I'm hoping that he's a big part of this ballclub."
Ryan update
General Manager Terry Ryan on Wednesday traveled to the Mayo Clinic for his one-week checkup following cancer surgery. Twins spokesman Dustin Morse said that everything is healing nicely and Ryan returned to his home in Eagan.
Etc.
• Mike Pelfrey threw in the bullpen after having a right ear infection treated Wednesday. Pelfrey said it has been bothering him for about four months.
Let's meet
Jorge Polanco
Shortstop
Age: 20
2013 stats: .308 batting average with five HRs and 78 RBI for Class A Cedar Rapids
Acquired: Signed as a nondrafted free agent July 6, 2009
Role: Likely starting shortstop at Class A Fort Myers
Did you know: Polanco signed for $750,000 the same year Miguel Sano and Max Kepler were signed.
LA VELLE E. NEAL III
