Twins manager Ron Gardenhire keeps preaching caution in the case of Kubel.
But he can no longer keep the excitement out of his voice after watching
the outfielder play.

Kubel, recovering from reconstructive knee surgery, is tentatively slated
to start the season at Class AAA Rochester.

But ...

Thursday, Kubel, a lefthanded hitter, went 2-for-3 with two RBI, including
a double off Indians lefty Cliff Lee. Kubel is hitting .308 for the spring
and said the past couple of games have renewed his confidence in his
ability to hit big-league pitching, especially lefties.

"I'm starting to hit them hard," Kubel said. "I'm excited to get that
swing back, and get going."

Said Gardenhire: "He got that second base hit with a man on third, and I
said right away, 'This young man is really going to make it interesting as
we go along here in spring.'

"Your thought is on the cautious side, but let me tell you what, he's
swinging pretty good, and he's moving pretty good, and if he's the best
player out there, that's who will be playing out there."

The Twins will probably choose between Michael Cuddyer and Lew Ford as
their Opening Day right fielder if they send Kubel to the minors.