MLB Minnesota Twins news

The plastic sheeting covering one-third of Target Field and the large heaters found throughout the work site are a clear sign that winter has arrived in Minnesota.

Twins outfielder Denard Span had some stiff competition when it came to earning Rookie of the Year honors for his own team in 2008. But on Thursday, Span was recognized as one of the best rookies in the Major Leagues last season.

The Twins took precautions Wednesday to avoid losing some of their prospects in next month's Rule 5 Draft, adding eight players to their 40-man roster.

Twins right-handed reliever Pat Neshek can now begin his long road to recovery after undergoing Tommy John elbow ligament replacement surgery on Tuesday morning.

Justin Morneau and Joe Mauer finished second and fourth, respectively, in voting for the American League MVP Award.

Jim Rantz, the Twins' director of Minor League operations, was named the inaugural winner of the Sheldon "Chief" Bender Award by Minor League Baseball on Monday. The recipient of the Bender Award is someone with distinguished service who has been instrumental in player development.

Twins reliever Pat Neshek is scheduled to undergo Tommy John elbow ligament replacement surgery on his right elbow in the Twin Cities on Tuesday. He's expected to be ready for 2010 Spring Training.

Justin Morneau has already been awarded the honor of being named the most valuable player in the American League last season by the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum. But now comes the question becomes: will the Baseball Writers' Association of America bestow him with the same honor?

Would a Kevin Kouzmanoff trade make sense? What about a package deal for Garrett Atkins and Houston Street? Kelly Thesier answers in the mailbag.

Baseball ambassador Rod Carew has represented the game in several countries over the years, but his native Panama hadn't been one of them -- until this week.