Twins look to solve Yankee curse in ALDS

MINNEAPOLIS – The Minnesota Twins say they are right where they want to be as they prepare to open the AL playoffs against the defending World Series champion New York Yankees.

The Yankees have eliminated the Twins in three first-round series this decade, including a sweep last year. They also beat the Twins in 2003 and 2004 and have lost just two of 11 games in the three series.

But the Twins say they can't worry about the past. First baseman Michael Cuddyer and reliever Jesse Crain are the only players remaining from the 2004 team that lost to New York. And the Twins have added veterans Jim Thome, J.J. Hardy, Orlando Hudson and Brian Fuentes to try and match up with the powerful Yankees.

Game 1 is Wednesday night at Target Field, the first outdoor postseason game in Minnesota since 1970.

Francisco Liriano starts for the Twins and CC Sabathia goes for the Yankees.