Greetings from southwest Florida, where several Twins players already are working out in advance of spring training and the finishing touches are being put on the $48.5 million renovation of Hammond Stadium.

The place looks like new. There's a grand entrance right behind home plate, a huge merchandise store, new elevators and suites. For fans who have been to the park in the past: You will no longer have to wait outside a regularly packed club shop to get gear.

I noticed that a couple of areas where I would have private conversations no longer exist. I have to find new places to be sneaky!!!!

The press box wasn't supposed to get more than carpeting and a coat of paint. But Lee County has stepped up and had the countertops replaced today. There will be new chairs and, finally, a television. But Twins President Dave St. Peter rolled his eyes at me when I said "that TV will come in handy during the NCAA hoops tournament!"

Overall, the place looks first class. Anyone planning on attending games here should arrive early and factor in time to gawk.

Twins Insider: startribune.com/twins