[Early Arrivals], [New Season, New Look], [Matthew LeCroy update]

Early Arrivals:

Tomorrow (February 19th, 2008) marks the first day that all players may
report to Spring Training. But there are plenty of familiar faces already working
out at the Lee County Sports Complex.

More than 30 Major and Minor Leaguers were taking part in the voluntary workout
Friday morning on the back fields of the complex.

Scott Baker, Kevin Slowey, Glen Perkins, and Jesse Crain, have all been working out all week and have also been throwing off the mound.

Joe Mauer caught a few pitcher's bullpen sessions Friday morning.

Jesse Crain is looking strong after just about 8 months after having right shoulder
surgery to repair a torn labrum and torn rotator cuff.

There were some new faces that joined the workout group on Friday some of
these new faces were pitchers Phil Humber and Kevin Mulvey, both who were
acquired from the Mets in the Johan Santana trade.

The first official workout for pitchers
and catchers will take place on Monday



New season, new look:

Lots of changes were made during the offseason to the Twins roster, and to the
team's Spring Training complex.

Every year, the complex gets some slight upgrades.

This year:

- New Lights were installed at Hammond Stadium
- New Seats inside the ballpark
- Installation of a new batter's eye to help players see better
during the afternoon games.



Former Twin update:

Catcher Matthew LeCroy signed a Minor League contract with the Oakland A's
on Friday.

While LeCroy eventually hopes to go into coaching, he said at the time of
his call-up with the Twins last season that his hope was to play at least
one more year.