The Twins, who have long been dominated by the Yankees, are glad to face them at least once early in the season. "I think I'd rather face these guys early," said Scott Baker, who will start against New York's Ivan Nova on Monday at Yankee Stadium. "I'm not sure if there's any rhyme or reason for that, but that's just my opinion. I feel like we match up well, even though we haven't done too well against them in the past." Minnesota has been eliminated in the first round of the playoffs by New York in four of their last five appearances.