JUPITER, FLA. -- Carl Pavano will face Albert Pujols and the Cardinals today on Florida's Atlantic coast, but over by the Gulf, a much bigger development is happening for the Twins.
La Velle tells me that Joe Mauer is catching Nick Blackburn's bullpen session. To our knowledge, this is Mauer's first catching activity all spring.
Update: Manager Ron Gardenhire said he's not sure about the No. 5 starter, but the likely order of the first four is: Carl Pavano, Francisco Liriano, Nick Blackburn and Brian Duensing. Blackburn would fall in front of Duensing to split up the lefthanders.
Gardenhire also said he's confident Mauer, Justin Morneau, Delmon Young and Michael Cuddyer will be ready for the April 1 season opener.
Gardenhire also confirmed that the Twins are likely to make their first round of cuts on Monday. They have 59 players in camp.
TWINS
1. Denard Span, CF
2. Matt Tolbert, 2B
3. Delmon Young, LF
4. Danny Valencia, 3B
5. Jeff Bailey, DH
6. Luke Hughes, 1B
7. Jason Repko, RF
8. Drew Butera, C
9. Trevor Plouffe, SS
Starting pitcher: Carl Pavano
