FORT MYERS — “We can start now!” Twins catcher Mike Redmond said this morning. “Franchise is here!”

Francisco Liriano arrived in Twins camp after missing the first nine days because of visa problems in the Dominican Republic.

Liriano, 24, moved purposefully through the clubhouse, getting a pile of clothing from the equipment managers.

For those who haven’t seen him since before Tommy John surgery in November 2006, he is noticeably thicker now. The media guide lists him at 6-2, 225 pounds. There have been reports of his fastball hitting 97 miles per hour in recent workouts at the Twins’ Dominican academy.

He is throwing today and will address the media after the workout.

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