So far so good for Mauer in spring training

FOXSportsNorth.com will track reports from the news outlets already in Florida until March 4, when Tyler Mason will begin covering the team in Fort Myers. Here's a look at Wednesday's top story lines from camp:

Mauer in perpetual motion: He's catching bullpen sessions. He's taking grounders at first base. He's running the bases, and he looks lively during batting practice.

If the first 12 days of Twins spring training are any indication, Joe Mauer is feeling much better this season.

"Every day I'm just, 'What do you want me to do today?' " the Twins catcher told the Pioneer Press.

Mauer has fully participated in all 12 days of the Twins' camp in 2012. He began camp by catching bullpen sessions for three pitchers, something he didn't do last season until March 12.

Last year at this time, Mauer was recovering from mild knee surgery. This year, after intense off-season training, he'll play in the exhibition opener, Saturday against Tampa Bay.

"There's always soreness, trying to get your body back into shape, so that's what I'm dealing with right now," Mauer noted. But "you know, you're going to do anything you want to do to get ready for the year.

"You've just got to get out there and catch bullpens and get on the field and play, so everything's going pretty good."

Gibson rehabbing slowly but surely: The Twins' top pitching prospect, Kyle Gibson, is feeling a bit stir-crazy this spring. But, by all accounts, the righthander's rehab from Tommy John elbow surgery is progressing fine.

"It's getting a little bit harder because I know I'm not going to be able to do everything," Gibson told the Star Tribune recently in Florida.

Gibson is restricted to 50-foot tosses these days, but he has also been cleared to lift weights and go through full workouts. On June 7, the righthander will be allowed to throw in the bullpen for the first time since he had surgery.

"I'm excited about where I'm at," Gibson said, "but at the same time I know there's possibly going to be setbacks. When I start throwing back-to-back days and it feels good, then it will be a little bit more exciting."

The Twins anticipate allowing Gibson to pitch in some minor-league games late this season. And, the University of Missouri alum plans to be fully ready to compete at the start of the 2013 campaign.

"When it comes to 2013 spring training, I'm going to feel like I have something to prove -- that I am healthy ... and (can) compete at a high level."

Gardenhire announces Thursday's lineup: The Twins are scheduled for a "B" game with the Red Sox Thursday, at Hammond Stadium. According to manager Ron Gardenhire, Minnesota will use nine pitchers in that game, starting with Scott Baker and Nick Blackburn, followed by Liam Hendriks, Jeff Manship, Jason Bulger, Carlos Gutierrez, Tyler Robertson, Brendan Wise and Deolis Guerra.

According to mlb.com, the Twins' starting position players Thursday will be catcher J.R. Towles, first baseman Aaron Bates, second baseman Pedro Florimon, third baseman Ray Chang, shortstop Brian Dozier, left fielder Ben Revere, center fielder Joe Benson, right fielder Rene Tosoni and designated hitter Brian Dinkelman.

The game starts at noon CST.