Twins open Grapefruit League schedule Feb. 23

MINNEAPOLIS -- With the World Baseball Classic returning in 2013, the Twins are set to get an earlier start than usual to Spring Training.

The Twins officially announced their 2013 Spring Training schedule on Tuesday, as pitchers and catchers are set to report on Feb. 12 with their first workout set for Feb. 13. The rest of the squad is scheduled to report on Feb. 15, with full-squad workouts beginning on Feb. 16.

Minnesota is set to begin Grapefruit League play on Feb. 23 against the Orioles in Sarasota, Fla., before hosting their home opener at Hammond Stadium in Fort Myers on Feb. 24 against the Rays.

It's an earlier start than last season, when pitchers and catchers reported on Feb. 18 and the club played in its first Spring Training game on March 3.

The 2013 Spring Training campaign marks the 22nd season the Twins have trained at the Lee County Sports Complex.

Additional highlights of the Twins' 19-game home Grapefruit League schedule include three games against the Orioles, a visit by the Puerto Rican World Baseball Classic squad on March 6, a visit by the American League East division champion Yankees on March 22 and a visit by the NL Central division champion Cardinals on March 25.

Minnesota's home schedule in Fort Myers also includes four games against the Red Sox, concluding with the final game at Hammond Stadium on March 29 before the Twins open the regular season against the Tigers on April 1 at Target Field.

Single-game tickets can be purchased beginning Jan. 12 at www.twinsbaseball.com, by calling 1-800-33-TWINS (800-338-9467), by visiting the Target Field box office or the Hammond Stadium box office in Fort Myers.

Additionally, for the first time, the Twins are offering exclusive travel packages. Packages include game tickets, choice of hotel accommodations, car rental, exclusive pregame meet and greets with select players and field personnel, custom Twins travel merchandise and flight travel options.

"Grand Slam" packages, which include the exclusive pregame meet and greets, will be held March 14-17 and March 22-25. In addition, two "Early Spring Special" weekends, which do not include the meet and greets, will be held March 1-3 and March 8-10. For more information or to make reservations, fans can visit www.twinsbaseball.com/springtravel or call (612) 276-3824.

For single-game tickets, prices for value games range from $13-$40 while premium game tickets will be priced from $16-$43.