Francisco Liriano signed a one-year, $4.3 million deal on Feb. 6, though many thought the Twins might try to wrap him up long term, as they did with young starters Scott Baker in 2009 and Nick Blackburn last season. That led to rumors that the Twins were fielding trade offers for the 27-year-old lefty, who fanned a career-high 201 batters last season. “It came up by (the media); that’s a shocker,” Gardenhire said of the trade reports. “It didn’t come up by us. That’s the thing about it: Everybody’s names come up in trades. I mean, I can tell you a thousand guys I would love to have and we can start all kinds of rumors, but that doesn’t mean that we started it. “There is a wish list on every team in baseball, and I’m sure there are a lot of people that would like Liriano. Trades come about, but we didn’t talk about it; you guys did.” Asked if he could see himself in another uniform, Liriano said, “Nah, not now.” — Pioneer Press

Onlookers who have watched new Twins infielder Tsuyoshi Nishioka in batting practice in Fort Myers, Fla., say his swing, other than using an open stance, isn’t anything like that of Continue reading…

Twins first baseman Justin Morneau said “things are going well” in his concussion recovery. He has been working out in the gym, near his offseason home in Phoenix., Continue reading…

The Twins and outfielder Delmon Young continue to negotiate. Young, 25, who hit .298 with 21 home runs and 112 runs batted in last season, asked for $6.25 million in salary arbitration. The Twins offered $4.65 million. Young was paid $2.6 million last season. Continue reading…

Hall of Fame former Twin Harmon Killebrew, who has been receiving chemotherapy and radiation for esophageal cancer, was to be released from the Mayo Clinic in Scottsdale, Ariz., this weekend. — Pioneer Press

DH Jim Thome, who recently re-signed with the Twins for $3 million this season, tried friendly persuasion with manager Ron Gardenhire in an effort to procure another $500,000 out of general manager Bill Smith, but was unsuccessful. Continue reading to find out why Gardenhire didn’t help Thome.

Ten months ago Wednesday, Joe Nathan underwent ligament replacement surgery on his $47 million right arm. On Wednesday in Knoxville, Tenn., for the first time since the surgery, the Twins closer was to begin throwing breaking balls. Nathan plans on returning as the teams closer in 2011, if he’s not, the job could go to

The Twins excused newly signed infielder Tsuyoshi Nishioka from this weekend’s TwinsFest in Blaine because he’s in Japan celebrating the Chiba Lotte Marines’ 2010 Japanese World Series championship. The Twins say Nishioka, who was an all-star shortstop for the Marines, has committed to next year’s TwinsFest and possibly the club’s winter goodwill tours. — Pioneer Press

The Twins declined Nick Punto’s $5 million option for this year, paying him a $500,000 buyout. With a projected Opening Day payroll of $113 million, they insist they have reached their limit. Continue to read about Punto’s hopes for the future

The Twins have added minor league pitcher Eric Hacker and Japanese infielder Tsuyoshi Nishioka. “He can fly,” Gardenhire said of the switch-hitting native of Osaka, Japan. Gardenhire is worried about one thing with Nishioka

The Twins and Carl Pavano appear to be in a temporary holding pattern, still close to a deal, but still with some details to hash out before he officially comes off the free agent market. — Star Tribune

So far nothing has linked the Twins with Vladimir Guerrero, but the team could be looking for a right-handed bat to mix in with its currently lefty-heavy lineup. Still, with the Twins appearing to be seeking out relatively inexpensive options, Guerrero might not be the right fit. Former Dodgers and Red Sox star Manny Ramirez is also another right-handed DH that’s available…

Twins first baseman Justin Morneau said he is feeling good after suffering a concussion in early July and missing the second half of the 2010 season. Morneau says he will report to Spring Training on time…

The Twins, who have been negotiating with free-agent pitcher Carl Pavano for two months, on Thursday made significant progress on a proposed two-year contract. — Pioneer Press

With Jesse Crain and his No. 28 Twins jersey off to the White Sox, don’t be surprised if the Twins retire No. 28, which belonged to Bert Blyleven, in a ceremony this year, especially if Blyleven is elected to baseball’s Hall of Fame, as expected. — Pioneer Press