SARASOTA, Fla. - Twins manager Ron Gardenhire had just one complaint, and it had nothing to do with Minnesota's performance in a 5-0 victory over the Baltimore Orioles on Monday.

Gardenhire's problem had to do with the post-game meal for the 112-kilometre trip back to the Twins' training complex in Fort Myers. "Two pieces of chicken on the bus. These long-term contracts are killing us," he cracked. "Every other team gets three."

Nick Blackburn threw three crisp innings one day after he signed a US$14-million, four-year contract that includes an $8-million club option for 2014. Blackburn and Kevin Slowey had identical lines, allowing one hit with one walk and two strikeouts.

With the Twins opening Target Field next month, the defending AL Central champs are increasing their payroll. They're currently in negotiations with all-star catcher Joe Mauer on what should be an even pricier deal.

"We better hurry up," Gardenhire said. "When Mauer signs, we'll only get one piece."

Blackburn admitted that he kept thinking about his new deal.

"Every once in a while it would creep into my mind," he said. "It's going to be a while before it's completely out of my mind."

Blackburn started the Twins' first spring game on Thursday, and Slowey followed. This time they reversed roles, and Blackburn said the hardest part for him was figuring when to warm up.

And then there was the money.

"I'm trying to go out there and continue doing what I was doing last year. Just trying to forget about it," Blackburn said.

"I don't want to be sitting there thinking about a bank account because then I'm not going to be effective with my pitching."

Slowey was 10-3 with a 4.86 ERA before undergoing season-ending reconstructive wrist surgery in July. The right-hander retired nine of his final 10 batters against Baltimore.

"Getting game speed back has really been the big thing in the spring," Slowey said. "It's been a while since I've been in a game, and it's going to be a while to get that back."

Brian Matusz allowed two runs and three hits in 2 2-3 innings for Baltimore. He struck out six and walked one.

"I pounded the zone just like I wanted to today," Matusz said. "I'm not going out there trying to strike out guys right now. By throwing a lot of strikes, it lets me put a lot of guys away."

The Orioles got a scoreless inning from Koji Uehara but finished with just three hits.

NOTES: Gardenhire said there won't be any news on RHP Joe Nathan until Tuesday. Nathan returned to Minneapolis for an MRI and CT scan on his ailing right elbow. ... Minnesota RHP Pat Neshek has a sore hamstring and LHP Glen Perkins has been bothered by back stiffness. Gardenhire said he's not worried about either injury. ... Orioles RHP Brad Bergesen, whose spring debut has been delayed by a sore shoulder, will pitch Wednesday night in Bradenton against Pittsburgh.