Pavano to start for Twins on Opening Day

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BALTIMORE -- Minnesota Twins righthanded pitcher Carl Pavano will get the Opening Day start when Minnesota visits Baltimore for a matinee.

Pavano says he has learned as a veteran to handle all games the same and he will try to manage each batter he faces as opposed to letting the game overwhelm him. The Twins are coming off of a 99-loss season and he says they can't wait to put that season behind them and move on with the 2012 season. Jake Arrieta will start on the mound for the O's.

First pitch today is set for 2:05 p.m.

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Minnesota Twins starting pitcher Scott Baker, who will start the season on the 15-day disabled list with elbow discomfort, started a minor league game in Fort Myers last night, but could only record one out before being removed from the contest. The ailing righthander threw only 11 pitches. He gave up a single, a double, and an infield popout before he left the game. Twins officials had hoped he could reach the 75-pitch mark in the game.

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With Monday's home opener looming for the Twins, the club announced some new items for fans to purchase at the concession stands at Target Field. The new additions include specialty foods and craft beers that originate in Minnesota. The new food offerings include mega meatballs, deep-fried pickles, a baked potato bar, a bacon Sloppy Joe, garlic fries, mini donuts, chicken stir fry, and Buffalo Chicken macaroni and cheese.

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The last place where smokers could light up at Target Field is being snuffed out. Twins spokesman Kevin Smith says the former smoking area outside Gate 6 will be gone for Monday's home opener. When the wind was blowing the right way, he says second-hand smoke would float back up into the main concourse and it would even waft up into the Club Level. The change means smokers will not be allowed to leave for a cigarette and return to the game.

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Former Twins star Johan Santana returned to the mound for the first time since the 2010 season and worked five scoreless innings to help the to a 1-0 win over Atlanta. Santana allowed only two hits, struck out five and walked two. He received a no-decision, leaving the game when it was scoreless. New York's David Wright singled home the game's only run in the sixth inning off Atlanta starter Tommy Hanson.

Tags: minnesota sports, proam, twins, baseball