Twins spring training: Dozier extension in the works?

Second baseman Brian Dozier is set to sign a one-year deal this week, which really isn't big deal because he has between zero and three years of experience and most of those contracts are a formality.

But Dozier's agent, according to sources, is talking to the Twins about a multi-year contract for the speedy, power-hitting second baseman.

The sides tried to lock Dozier up last season, meeting during spring training in an attempt to hammer out a deal. But they failed to agree on the right numbers and decided to wait a year.

Dozier went out and batted .242 with 23 home runs and 71 RBI. He also walked 89 times and stole 21 bases. That was enough to encourage the Twins to try to lock him up once again.

Stay tuned to see how this plays out. Indications are that there could be an update in a couple of days.

Recovering

Jordan Schafer tried to return to workouts after battling the flu yesterday but was sent home. The other sick players, Byron Buxton, Oswaldo Arcia, Kurt Suzuki and Trevor May - returned to action.

Bully on Buxton

Molitor kept an eye on Buxton, who is scheduled to play Wedensday against the Gophers. Buxton did enough to convince Molitor to leave him in the lineup.  The manager remains bully on Buxton depsite the prospect missing most of last season due to various injuries.

The manager didn't hold back when he discussed Buxton's growth potential despite the missed development time.

``The areas I’m hoping to see improved are not so much defensively,'' Molitor said. ``Obviously people get better, but as far as his ability to read and jump and throw to the right place. That was probably, maybe his most advanced skill. Baserunning: fearless; technique needed improvement; awareness, somewhat. Offensively in the batter’s box: very competitive; strike zone knowledge. For his skillset, getting on base is going to be a big deal. He might develop into having some power along the way, but as he is developing, his strike zone knowledge is an area that I hope is improved from what I’ve seen in the past. Those are some of the things that I’ll be looking for him, for his growth.''

Scheduling

Jose Berrios will start for the Twins on Wednesday against the Gophers. Glen Perkins will follow him. After that. Mark Hamburger, Ryan Pressly, Michael Tonkin will pitch.

Kyle Gibson will start on Thursday against Boston in the official Grapefruit League opener.

Sad note

Popular Twins minor league coach Riccardo Ingram will not be presant at spring trainng this year as he fights for his life a second time because of the return of brain cancer.

Ingram, 48, is being treated in Atlanta, which is not far from his home in Lilburn, Ga., and where his family can keep an eye on him.

`I don't think anything is impossible with Riccardo,'' Twins General Manager Terry Ryan said. ``He's overcome a lot of odds.''

In 2009, Ingram experienced pounding headaches that led to the discovery of Grade 4 glioblastoma in the front of his brain. At the time, 90-95 percent of people with that type of cancer die within a year. But Ingram underwent six week of radiation therapy and survived. The Twins helped out by naming him a roving hitting instructor between Class AAA Rochester and Class AA New Britain. That allowed him to make visits to Duke University Medical Center for follow up care.

Ingram is scheduled to be the hitting coach for the Gulf Coast League rookie team this season.

A fourth-round pick by the Tigers in 1987, Ingram played 12 games with the Tigers in 1994 and four with the Twins in 1995. He's been coaching in the Twins farm system since 1998.