By Andy Kent
Naples Daily News

FORT MYERS — At least Scott Baker knows when his next start will be.

The 24-year-old Cape Coral resident made his second start Wednesday
against the Cincinnati Reds at Hammond Stadium and lasted three innings in
a 3-2 loss, giving up a solo homer to Edwin Encarnacion in the top of the
third, striking out one, walking two and giving up four hits.

"Without a doubt this spring training has felt totally different coming
in," said Baker, who was moved around in the rotation last spring, but now
is in the five-man rotation. "I think once you've been up there it's just
a different feeling, and plus last year I didn't know exactly when I was
going to start, so this year is kind of nice. Knowing the exact date helps
you prepare a little bit better and get into a little better routine."

Baker's next start should be next Monday in Sarasota against Cincinnati.
He took a positive out of working his way out of a bases-loaded jam in the
first inning by getting Chris Denorfia to ground out to second after
giving up a leadoff double to DeWayne Wise. He faced 15 batters and kept
his ERA at 1.59, but he feels he needs to work on his location a little
more and keep his pitches down.

"(Baker) just couldn't make an adjustment and get the ball down, although
his last inning he finally got some pitches down," Twins manager Ron
Gardenhire said. "But a lot of his stuff was up and that's something
they've been working on in really trying to get him to keep the ball down.
But he got through it and didn't implode."

STICK TO TENNIS: Jim Courier, the former No. 1 men's tennis player in the
world, threw out the ceremonial first pitch — and showed why he was much
better with a racket. The lefty threw wide inside to catcher Rob Bowen,
who had to lunge to his right to prevent the ball from going to the
backstop. Courier smiled and then appeared to try to give Bowen a tip on
which way to hold the glove on that type of pitch.

Courier is in town participating in his Champion's Cup senior tennis
event, which is being held at The Players Club and Spa at Lely Resort in
Naples starting Friday and going through Monday. In addition to Courier,
the legendary John McEnroe, Mats Wilander, Mikael Pernfors, Petr Korda,
Michael Chang, Pat Cash and Aaron Krickstein will be competing. For
tickets, call 649-7171.

TWINS NOTES: Jason Kubel batted in the leadoff spot and went 1-for-3 with
a single left while starting in left field for the Twins. Gardenhire said
he's trying to get Kubel as many at-bats as he can early on while Kubel
continues his comeback from a devastating knee injury that sidelined him
the entire 2005 season.

Thursday, March 9, 2006