Gardenhire ponders an 11-man pitching staff

By LA VELLE E. NEAL III, Star Tribune

Last update: February 22, 2009 - 8:52 AM

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Twins manager Ron Gardenhire on Friday hinted that he might be able to open the season with 14 position players and 11 pitchers. On Saturday, he explained that the extra week of spring training this year allows starters to build their stamina even more. That takes away the need to carry an extra reliever.

"So it would be that we've got all of our pitchers really stretched out, where we think they're going to give us a lot of innings early, and then you won't need as many bullpen guys," Gardenhire said. "That would be one of the reasons why you could do something like that. Whether we even remotely can, I'll let you know as we go deeper in spring training."

Another reason Gardenhire might be more comfortable with 11 pitchers is that he won't worry about protecting his developing starting rotation, like he did last season.

Breaking camp with 14 position players would enable him to keep a bench of catcher Mike Redmond, infielders Brendan Harris, Matt Tolbert and Brian Buscher and whichever outfielder doesn't start.

Kubel Kool

Jason Kubel looks like someone without a lot of stress in his life. He signed a two-year, $7.2 million contract last month and is coming off a season of 20 homers and 78 RBI. He's expected to get the majority of at-bats at designated hitter.

"This is the first year I didn't have any pressure to get [a contract] done," he said.

Kubel rose through the minor leagues as someone who can hit for average. But he seems more comfortable now trying to provide the Twins sorely needed power.

Still, he believes he can lift his average while continuing to develop into a power hitter.

"I still think I can hit .300 with 25 homers and 80-85 RBI," Kubel said. "We'll see. Just put it all together and see what happens."

Etc.

• Twins coaches were impressed with catching prospect Wilson Ramos' power.

• Twins third base coach Scott Ullger on Delmon Young: "Delmon is locked in. And he's in great shape."

Three questions with ... Rob Delaney, relief pitcher

Age: 24

2008: A Fort Myers/AA New Britain (3-3, 1.23 ERA, 18 saves)

1 What was it like to shut down opponents last season with teammate Anthony Slama at Fort Myers?

"It was great. If I wasn't out there, he was out there and I knew he was going to get the job done. It was really fun."

2 What was the jump to Double-A like?

"It was a big jump. They were taking pitches in certain situations and you have to trust your catcher and go out there and get the job done. Pitching there and having success is a real good sign, I hope. It would be great if I could ever pitch in the big leagues. That's why we play the game."

3 The Twins aren't afraid to call someone up from Class AA. How does that affect your approach in this camp?

"I'm trying to go out there and soak everything up. I do a lot of watching and listening and make sure I don't do anything I don't have any control over. I'm just trying to be a sponge."

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