The Minnesota Twins Winter Caravan rolled through Albert Lea Thursday, bringing manager Ron Gardenhire, broadcaster Dick Bremer, hitting coach Joe Vavra and players Matt Tolbert and Pat Nesheck to Thorne Crest Retirement Community.

The Caravan, which marks the start of work this season for the Twins baseball players and coaches, brought added excitement because the team is months away from opening its new ballpark.

“This is one of the most exciting times in Twins history,” Bremer said among shouts of “Target Field.”

Bremer also thanked the audience, comprising mostly of seniors and Thorne Crest residents, before introducing the guests. “We thank you for your support,” he said. “We know some of the greatest Twins fans are the ones who can’t make it to the park and see the games in person but watch them on TV and listen to them on the radio.”

Bremer then introduced Tolbert followed by Neshek, two players who couldn’t have played more opposite roles in last season’s one-game playoff against the Detroit Tigers.

Neshek, who missed all of last season recovering from Tommy John surgery, was disappointed he couldn’t help his team.

“It was frustrating,” he said. “I think I was more nervous watching them than I would have been playing in it.”

Tolbert walked the crowd through his turn at bat in the 10th inning, one that would eventually preserve the division title for the Twins.

“I just didn’t want to strike out,” he said. “I got down 0-2 but hit a hopper up the middle for a base hit to tie it up.”

Gardenhire’s introduction got the largest applause from the audience, which he kept spirited with a string of jokes.

“How many of you have been to a Twins game or seen us on TV?” he asked. “How many of you yell at me and tell me how dumb I am?”

And he wasn’t shy about letting the crowd know how he felt about some of his star players.

“I get to coach a guy like Joe Mauer; he’s cute I’m telling you,” Gardenhire said. He later expressed his fondness for shortstop J.J. Hardy’s nickname, J.J. Hottie.

But it wasn’t long before he focused on serious issues like the importance of signing Mauer to a long-term contract.

“We’re working on it; it’s a long process,” Gardenhire said. “We’re just trying to decide whether he gets Minneapolis or St. Paul.”

He then added that Mauer, a fan favorite who grew up in Minnesota, will probably receive a five- or six-year contract.

Before he could leave the podium, though, a Thorne Crest employee presented Gardenhire with homemade Vikings horns that he donned for the rest of the presentation after admitting he was a Vikings fan.

The caravan’s atmosphere was relaxed and the audience appreciated the effort they made to come.

“It was absolutely fabulous,” Philip Peters, a Thorne Crest resident, said. “The players are all so personable and ready to answer our questions. We look forward to this every year.”

Before they spoke to the public, though, the Twins talked about the upcoming season and Target Field.

“It’s made for the fans,” Gardenhire said. “It will be great seeing the grass and the sky, even if it is raining or snowing. It’s outdoor baseball, and that’s how it’s meant to be played.

Gardenhire also talked about the acquisition of Hardy and his attempt to move forward after last year’s disappointing season.

“Hardy’s a good player. He’s a power guy, and he’s got a real strong arm,” he said. “We just need to get him comfortable because playing for a new ball club is always difficult. I just tell him to relax, stay calm and to play within himself.”

Tolbert is also excited about Hardy’s arrival although it will make his battle for a roster spot even more difficult.

“He’s an awesome player, and he is really going to be a great addition to the team,” he said. “I am going to go to spring training, work hard and just try and make the team.”

Neshek missed most of the past two seasons injured or rehabilitating ligaments in his right elbow. The reliever returns this season.

“Right now, 14 months after surgery, it feels great,” Neshek said of his throwing arm. “Mentally, I just need to get into that competitive atmosphere where I am pitching in games and facing hitters.”

Neshek will begin working on his competitive edge as Twins pitchers and catchers report to spring training in Fort Myers, Fla., on Feb. 21.

The Twins inaugural game at Target Field will be April 12 against the Boston Red Sox.