Kenny

Rogers

The Twins will use a rotation of Brad Radke, Joe Mays, Kyle Lohse, Rick Reed and Rogers. Rogers, signed just 12 days ago, should be redy to throw 6-7 innings Sunday in his final start of the spring.

A two-year extension for a 40-year-old coming off a season in which he finished with a 4.76 ERA? After getting the deals he did for Magglio Ordonez and Derek Lowe, Scott Boras must figure he can do anything. Don’t expect much to come from this. The Rangers aren’t crazy enough to commit to Rogers for three more years, and Rogers clearly isn’t ready to call it quits.

Rogers said he met with Rangers owner Tom Hicks last week to discuss a possible contract extension, but he never delivered an extension-or-I-quit ultimatum. ''I didn’t ask for anything, other than something I think I can fulfill,’' he said. It’s believed that Rogers might not show up when pitchers and catchers report next week, but he should be at Rangers camp by the mandatory reporting date.

Rogers was moved up a day to get him on track to start the first game of the season and allowed one run in three innings yesterday. Chan Ho Park is expected to follow Rogers in the rotation.

''I’ll throw again in a game somewhere in four days,’' he said. ''I don’t know where, but I’ll lobby hard to get on the (major league) game.’' The Twins are optimistic that Rogers will be ready to begin the season in the rotation.

R.A. Dickey will go today, followed by Rogers tomorrow.

He will be fine. Rogers will try to notch his 10th win of the season Sunday against the Reds.

The Rangers will give their prized lefthander a few extra days rest to allow his tender hamstring muscle to heal more fully.

The Rangers hope that arbitrator Shyam Das will lower the suspension enabling Rogers to start as soon as next Tuesday.

If the penalty is cut to time served, Rogers could rejoin the rotation as early as Wednesday. If not, the Rangers will go with C.J. Wilson on Wednesday against Boston.