Hughes eager to start at pitcher-friendly park

FORT MYERS, Fla. -- It was just the first day of pitchers and catchers reporting for the Twins, but right-hander Phil Hughes said he had no trouble fitting in with his teammates so far.

Hughes, who was signed to a three-year, $24 million deal in December, had a chance to meet nearly all his new teammates at TwinsFest in January and is excited for a fresh start.

Hughes is coming off a tough season with the Yankees, as he posted a 5.19 ERA in 29 starts and a relief appearance last year. But as a fly ball pitcher, Hughes is looking forward to a more pitcher-friendly park in Target Field after seven seasons at homer-friendly Yankee Stadium.

"I'm not trying to do too much or reinvent myself," Hughes said. "I'm just trying to get back to what I know I can do best and go from there."

Hughes has already thrown three bullpens heading into Spring Training and is slated to throw his first official one with the Twins on Monday.