FORT MYERS, FLA - Michael Reed was claimed off waivers by the Twins on Oct. 31 from the Braves. He 26 and really didn't put up attractive numbers until this past season, when he batted .342 between Class AA and AAA. But the Twins saw enough to take a chance on him.

(and it also made it easier for them to try to sneak Zack Granite through waivers)

Reed, however, has not played a game yet this spring due to a stiff back that he suffered late in the minor league season then aggravated during offseason workouts in December. He's been careful in camp not to tweak it again, but feels well enough to play now.

He's in the lineup today, so we'll get to see what type of player he is.

LECOM Park is not one of my favorites because it's the least functional park in Florida, to the point where it ruins the game watching experience. But I'll give the city credit for trying to spruce up this broken down yard. They've added a foodcourt, seats in the outfield and a scoreboard. They needed to expand the concourse but instead added a loitering area with new concessions.

They've done nothing with the pressbox. At least its warm down here.

Martin Perez is on the mound today. I was at another game when he fired 97 mph fastballs. So I'm curious to see if he can duplicate it today. Fernando Romero and Trevor Hildenberger are scheduled to pitch.

Twins

Mitch Garver, C
Michael Reed, RF
C.J. Cron, 1B
Jake Cave, CF
Willians Astudillo, LF <-----
LaMonte Wade, DH
Ronald Torreyes, SS
Adam Rosales, 3B
Luis Arraez, 2B

Martin Perez, LHP


Pirates

Adam Frazier, 2B
Patrick Kivlehan, LF
Corey Dickerson, DH
Lonnie Chisenhall, RF
Colin Moran, 3B
Jose Osuna, 1B
Kevin Newman, SS
JB Shcuk, CF
Christian Kelley, C

Clay Holmes, RHP