Delmon Young made a great early impression in a couple of ways. First, he reported about 30 pounds lighter.

"Oh my God," Gardenhire told Young. "What happened, brother? You go through a shrink machine?"

Young then made a good-natured zinger at the expense of teammate Carl Pavano.

"Yeah, well, Pavano's on our staff so I need to be able to catch the balls hit to the warning track," Young said.

Gardenhire laughed and seemed to appreciate Young showing some personality. Not only has Young struggled to live up to his minor-league promise, but he's also given to acting like a sourpuss.

"I like it, Dixie, I like it!" Gardenhire said. "That's good stuff right there."