NEW YORK -- The Twins have a chance to win a series in the Bronx today for the first time since May 2001.
Joe Mauer and Jim Thome are back in the lineup, and Delmon Young is on the bench. Francisco Liriano opposes A.J. Burnett in a battle of two unpredictable pitchers.
It's cold and windy at Yankee Stadium, though the temperature is supposed to warm slightly by game time.
Programming note: Howard Sinker, from Section 219, doing his season-opening baseball show on MPR's Midday with Gary Eichten at noon today on 91.1 FM, or on the web at www.MPR.org.
Update: Manager Ron Gardenhire said Joe Mauer will catch Friday's home opener.
"Pavano's pitching, and normally Butera is his catcher, but since it's Opening Day at home, I'll try not to get us booed as loudly," Gardenhire said. "They might boo me anyway, but if I catch Mauer, that's one spot I won't get booed."
TWINS (2-3)
1. Denard Span, CF
2. Tsuyoshi Nishioka, 2B
3. Joe Mauer, C
4. Justin Morneau, 1B
5. Jim Thome, DH
6. Michael Cuddyer, RF
7. Jason Kubel, LF
8. Danny Valencia, 3B
9. Alexi Casilla, SS
