FORT MYERS, FLA. -- After a team meeting this morning - there are a lot during spring training - the Twins will prepare to play host to one of Josh Donaldson's former teams, the Toronto Blue Jays.
A few regulars are in the lineup today, but Twins manager Rocco Baldelli is going to pick and choose his spots to play the starters during the first couple weeks of games. The veteran guys, like Donaldson and Nelson Cruz, aren't expected to play a lot early on. Players who were banged up last season, like Jorge Polanco and Marwin Gonzalez, might be eased into the lineup as well.
For now, get ready to see, or listen to, a lot of minor leaguers.
No update yet on Fernando Romero's customs issue. We learned yesterday that he could miss all of spring training while he arranges for another visa to enter the country. This all began when he landed in Atlanta but was sent back to the Dominican Republic because of a customs issue. Once he returned home he had to re-start the visa process.
Whatever Romero did or had to lead to his return home, it was poor judgment that has likely cost him a chance to make the Opening Day roster.
The Twins are on the field for pre-game workouts. The Blue Jays are on the way. The home spring training opener is a couple hours away - and it can be seen live on FSN at 12:05 p.m.
Blue Jays
Derek Fisher, LF
Joe Panik, 2B
Brandon Drury, 3B
Travis Shaw, 1B
Rowdy Tellez, DH
Anthony Alford, CF
Reese McGuire, C
Billy McKinney, RF
Santiago Espinal, SS
