La Velle E. Neal III
Star Tribune

Twins outfielder Jason Kubel needed surgery last week to repair a torn
meniscus in his right knee, but should be ready for spring training in
February,

Kubel tore three ligaments in his left knee in 2004 and was forced to miss
the entire 2005 season. He batted .241 with eight homers in 73 games last
season, but his mobility was limited. Twins General Manager Terry Ryan
suspects that Kubel injured his right knee by compensating for his left.

"Everything structurally is fine," Ryan said. "He will be ready to go. I'm
almost relieved that there was something in the good knee that didn't
allow him to function. We have the health issues taken care of now, so we
can move on."

The Twins are willing to hand over the starting left field job to Kubel if
he's healthy. Kubel, 24, is a career .320 hitter in the minors.

"I don't have to give him a pep talk," Ryan said. "I gave him the lay of
the land here. There's ample opportunity for him to come in and get a job,
but we want to make sure people win them and don't give them up."

The Twins have few other options for left field. Free agency might not be
a solution. The Twins already need starting pitching and a designated
hitter and might not have the money to sign even mid-range talent to fill
those holes.

Liriano in Miami

The Twins and agents for lefthander Francisco Liriano have agreed to have
Liriano rehabilitate in Miami.

Liriano, who had Tommy John elbow surgery last month and will miss the
entire 2007 season, will work with Ray Jaffet. The Twins are familiar with
Jaffet, who has helped Shannon Stewart with his plantar fascitis problems
in recent seasons.

Talent search

Ryan is preparing to meet with teams and agents at next week's winter
meetings in Orlando. Like many other league executives, he has been
startled by the expensive free agent market and might not be able to
afford a quality starter. The Twins were interested in Rockies righthander
Jason Jennings, but those talks have cooled.

The Twins like righthander Gil Meche, but he's in line for a big contract
after Adam Eaton rocked the market with his three-year, $24 million deal
with Philadelphia.

"We'll find somebody," Ryan said. But don't be surprised if the Twins look
to Scott Baker, Matt Garza, Glen Perkins or J.D. Durbin to fill out their
rotation next year.

Notes

Hockey legend Gordie Howe recently called Justin Morneau to congratulate
him on winning the A.L. MVP award.

Ryan said the club and outfielder Rondell White have agreed to "keep all
options open" about a return to the club. White feels he has unfinished
business because he battled shoulder problems most of the season, and the
free-agent market might make White an affordable solution. The Twins
prefer White to DH while Kubel plays left.

Last update: November 29, 2006 – 10:14 PM



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