Fans get to see Twins' first full-squad workout

By ANDY KENT
Naples Daily News

FORT MYERS - For the first time since last April, all of the fields, bullpens and batting cages at the Lee County Sports Complex were alive with action.

Approximately 200 spectators turned out Saturday for the Minnesota Twins' first official full-squad workout and were adequately entertained, especially by manager Ron Gardenhire and being able to see the hitters take live batting practice off of the pitchers.

The outfielders fielded fungoes on the main field inside Hammond Stadium at the same time as the pitchers ran through fielding drills on the two adjacent practice fields. Gardenhire kept the crowd laughing on Field 1 right behind the bullpen with his witty banter.

Over on Field 2, a different group of pitchers ran through the same fielding drills with bullpen coach Rick Stelmaszek, and on Field 3 more of the position players went through fundamental drills.

Fans got an up-close view of star players like Torii Hunter, Jacque Jones and Shannon Stewart taking their cuts inside the batting cages. Those who wanted to be more comfortable in the seats inside the stadium watched those same players take batting practice on the main field at the end of the workout.

Thanks to the rains staying away, the team was able to put in its longest workout since the pitchers and catchers officially reported one week ago today, going a little over three hours and finishing up just before 1 p.m.

"We had a good day out there today, everybody got their work done," Gardenhire said. "We started off with a nice program, the Good Morning America went good -- the defensive drills. The pitchers did all their work and then we got the live BP, which is always entertaining."

AUTOGRAPH LUNCEHON

The Twins will have an autograph luncheon Tuesday at 1 p.m., in the picnic area in between the bullpen and Field 3 at a cost of $50 per person. The lunch is being catered by Outback Steakhouse and 10 players will be available for autographs.

Space is limited to 150 people and about 50 spots remain open. The proceeds will benefit five local charities. For more information call 768-4200.

TWINS TIDBITS

Gardenhire got some positive news on the injury front when it came to right-handed relief pitcher Jesse Crain's strained right hamstring. He was told Crain was making "good progress." ...

Right-handed reliever Grant Balfour (strained forearm) is continuing his throwing program. ... Outfielder Michael Restovich is progressing with his rehab program from a broken collarbone suffered in November. ... Infielder Nick Punto (back) is making slow progress. ... First baseman Justin Morneau (pneumonia) slowly increased his activity, hitting 25 balls off the tee. ...

The Budweiser Clydesdales again were on display at the complex before departing for the Swamp Cabbage Parade in La Belle.