Twins vs. Puerto Rico: Nathan, Harris updates

Posted on March 3rd, 2009 – 9:02 AM
By Joe Christensen

FORT MYERS, FLA. — Joe Crede will play third base for the first time as a Twin, and Scott Baker will be on the mound today against a star-laden Puerto Rico team that is gearing up for the WBC.

Brendan Harris was scratched from the starting lineup (presumably because he was drilled by a pitch in the back the other day), and Matt Tolbert takes his place at shortstop.

Chilly here by Fort Myers standards. There were frost warnings for inland areas overnight, but it’s supposed to reach 70 degrees today. I’m not complaining.

La Velle has more spring jottings in his latest blog post, so be sure to check that out. We’re also contemplating our first video effort — that is, our first effort without one of our expert photographers behind the camera. I’m sure it’ll be a cinematic masterpiece.

Note: Today’s statistics will not count toward the team’s official Grapefruit League stats. (As if that matters.)

Update (11:20 p.m.): Joe Nathan threw full-speed in a bullpen session today and said his right shoulder felt good.

“Today gave me a lot of confidence,” he said.

Nathan plans to throw live batting practice Thursday and return to Grapefruit League action on Saturday.

Brendan Harris has a sore left shoulder after being plunked by a Takashi Saito pitch on Sunday.

Update (1:30 p.m.): The Twins have agreed to terms on a minor-league deal with LHP Carmen Pignatiello, who made the Cubs roster out of spring training last season and has posted a 6.75 ERA in six major league appearances.

Pignatiello, 26, won’t report to the Twins’ major league camp, but he’ll pitch for Class AAA Rochester. The agreement was originally reported at SethSpeaks.net, by Star Tribune “Our Voices” contributor Seth Stohs. Another scoop for Seth!

PUERTO RICO

1. Bernie Williams, CF
2. Ivan Rodriguez, C
3. Carlos Beltran, CF
4. Carlos Delgado, 1B
5. Alex Rios, RF
6. Hiram Bocachica, LF
7. Felipe Lopez, 2B
8. Mike Aviles, SS
9. Ramon Vazquez, 3B

Starting pitcher: Ian Snell (Twins prospect Carlos Gutierrez is on the roster.)

TWINS

1. Denard Span, CF
2. Alexi Casilla, 2B
3. Michael Cuddyer, RF
4. Jason Kubel, DH
5. Joe Crede, 3B
6. Brian Buscher, 1B
7. Delmon Young, LF
8. Mike Redmond, C
9. Matt Tolbert, SS

Starting pitcher: Scott Baker (Also on the list: Brian Duensing, Kevin Mulvey, Anthony Swarzak, Jason Jones, Ben Julianel, Armando Gabino, Sean Henn.)

Hammond Stadium. First pitch: 12:05 p.m. (Central)

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