March 3, 2013; Lake Buena Vista, FL, USA; Detroit Tigers right fielder Torii Hunter (48) and center fielder Austin Jackson (14) wait on deck to bat against the Atlanta Braves at ESPN Disney Wide World of Sports complex, Champion Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
The Tigers are coming off a World Series sweep at the hands of the Giants, but the Twins nearly tied the 2012 season series, losing the head-to-head match up 8-10.
Vance Worley will face off against Justin Verlander in the series opener. Worley gets the Opening Day nod with Scott Diamond injured, and former Cy Young winner Verlander signed the a seven-year, $180 million contract extension on Friday making him the highest paid pitcher in the history of the game.
Torii Hunter signed on with Detroit during the offseason, and will play right field for the Tigers. The game time temperature is expected to be around 30 degrees, and has the potential to be the coldest opener in Minnesota history, dating back to the days of Met Stadium.
Feb 19, 2013; Fort Myers, FL, USA; Minnesota Twins starting pitcher Vance Worley (49) poses for a portrait during photo day at Hammond Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports
February 19, 2013; Lakeland, FL, USA; Detroit Tigers starting pitcher Justin Verlander (35) poses for a picture during photo day at Joker Marchant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Game 2 and 3 Pitching Match Ups
Wednesday, 3:10:
Kevin Correia vs. Anibal Sanchez
Thursday, 12:10:
Mike Pelfrey vs. Rick Porcello
Game 1 Lineups
Twins Tigers
Aaron Hicks CF Austin Jackson CF
Joe Mauer C Torii Hunter RF
Josh Willingham LF Miguel Cabrera 3B
Justin Morneau 1B Prince Fielder 1B
Ryan Doumit DH Victor Martinez DH
Trevor Plouffe 3B Andy Dirks LF
Chris Parmelee RF Jhonny Peralta SS
Brian Dozier 2B Alex Avila C
Pedro Florimon SS Omar Infante 2B
If you liked reading this, tweet it: traffic helps pay my bills. You can follow me here, and like us on Facebook here.