Cuddy's T-shirts can't be denied

FORT MYERS, FLA. - It's become an annual rite of spring training. Players will come in after a workout and find T-shirts made by Michael Cuddyer slung over the backs of the chairs in front of their stalls. The shirts would include Cuddyer's catch phrase for the season.

This year's T-shirt has "WIN" on the front and "Don't be denied" on the back.

"I'm tired of being denied," Cuddyer said.

Cuddyer broke into the majors in 2001 and started in the 2002 playoffs after being called up on Aug. 30 that season. So, yes, Cuddyer has been on the field for all 12 games of the Twins' postseason losing streak.

"There are so many things that can go into it," Cuddyer said. "But the ultimate goal is to don't be denied winning. If everyone has that mentality in the situation that they are in-- don't be denied -- I'd like to think that we will be all right.

"I don't care how it's done,"

Will it work this year?

Lefthander Francisco Liriano and righthander Scott Baker are working their way back from minor health issues and are slightly behind the others.

"We'll just have to ad lib with Liriano and Shake and Bake," Gardenhire said.

Not much should be read into this development. There still is plenty of time for Liriano and Baker to shore up their spots in the starting rotation. And the Twins can use minor league spring games to help starters build up stamina for the regular season.

Etc. • Outfielder Delmon Young has turf toe on his left big toe and will be kept from running drills for a few days. "He was working out and it got a little sore," Gardenhire said.

• Infielder Tsuyoshi Nishioka is expected to start at second base Sunday in the spring opener against the Red Sox. Gardenhire cheered on Nishioka after one of his batting practice drives cleared the fence. "I told him to do more pushups," Gardenhire said.

1A 20th-round pick in 2002 by Atlanta, James went 22-14 in 2006-07 with the Braves.

2He began having shoulder problems late in 2007 and ended up having major shoulder surgery late in 2008 for a torn rotator cuff and labrum.

3He spent last season in the minors with Washington and could wind up working out of the bullpen at Class AAA Rochester.