TWINS

[tbuck]

Re: TWINS

I don't like the signing of Offerman at all. He's terrible defensively, and way over the hill. I'd prefer to use the utility role to develop some of our older prospects (Ford, Ryan, Cuddyer, Punto) but for some reason Terry Ryan always loves to have an ancient veteran in the clubhouse. It may work if he's limited to pinch hitting and a spot start at first. If he's a DH, it's a wasted roster spot. Between Lecroy and Cuddyer, with Morneau or Restovich as replacements, the DH spot should be settled.

[dieselboy]

Re: TWINS

When it all comes down to it...

KC will win the Central.





Well, nothing is for sure. I think it could come down to the very end of the season for the Central.

[dieselboy]

Re: TWINS

When it all comes down to it...

KC will win the Central.





Well, nothing is for sure. I think it could come down to the very end of the season for the Central.

[dieselboy]

Re: TWINS

When it all comes down to it...

KC will win the Central.





Well, nothing is for sure. I think it could come down to the very end of the season for the Central.

[tbuck]

Re: TWINS

Time will tell. The Central is wide open. Every team has improved on paper with the exception of Cleveland (who has pitching questions) and Minnesota (who won the Central last year despite down seasons from Hunter, Koskie, Rivas, and Guzman). The White Sox made huge moves last year by aquiring Colon, and then making deadline deals for Alomar and Everett. Where did it get them? 2nd place. KC and Detroit have improved themselves on paper, but there are still plenty of question marks for both teams.

[tbuck]

Re: TWINS

Time will tell. The Central is wide open. Every team has improved on paper with the exception of Cleveland (who has pitching questions) and Minnesota (who won the Central last year despite down seasons from Hunter, Koskie, Rivas, and Guzman). The White Sox made huge moves last year by aquiring Colon, and then making deadline deals for Alomar and Everett. Where did it get them? 2nd place. KC and Detroit have improved themselves on paper, but there are still plenty of question marks for both teams.

[tbuck]

Re: TWINS

Time will tell. The Central is wide open. Every team has improved on paper with the exception of Cleveland (who has pitching questions) and Minnesota (who won the Central last year despite down seasons from Hunter, Koskie, Rivas, and Guzman). The White Sox made huge moves last year by aquiring Colon, and then making deadline deals for Alomar and Everett. Where did it get them? 2nd place. KC and Detroit have improved themselves on paper, but there are still plenty of question marks for both teams.

[bender_over]

Re: TWINS

This article was just posted on startribune.com.
---------------------------------------------------------------------
<font color="red">Nine crucial questions face Twins entering spring training <font color="red">
</font>Jim Souhan, Star Tribune </font>


In the past three seasons, the Twins have resuscitated a dying franchise, fought off contraction, reached the ALCS for the first since 1991 and won consecutive American League Central titles for the first time since 1970.

Like a listing boat in a gathering storm, they'll discover in 2004 whether winds of change will sink them, or fill their sails.

Next Sunday, Twins pitchers and catchers will report to spring training at the Lee County Sports Complex in Fort Myers, Fla.

The next day, newcomers Joe Nathan, Carlos Silva, Henry Blanco and Rick Helling, and phenom catcher Joe Mauer will officially begin the process of replacing the likes of Eric Milton, Eddie Guardado, LaTroy Hawkins and A.J. Pierzynski, who were traded or lost to free agency during the winter.

It should be a fascinating spring, with the remnants of a cohesive core of players who grew up together trying to integrate players with whom they have no connection. Here are nine innings worth of questions and answers:

1. How will the Twins replace Hawkins and Guardado, one of baseball's most effective relief combinations?

They hope Nathan, the reliever acquired from the Giants in the Pierzynski trade, will become the closer and J.C. Romero, the Twins' most dominant pitcher in 2002, will be the primary setup man.

When he throws strikes, Romero has the stuff to mass-produce strikeouts and double plays. The Twins' reports on Nathan say he has dominating stuff and the guts to get key outs in a pennant race. "He's nasty," said former Twin Brian Buchanan, now with the Padres. "He should be really good for the Twins."

2. What are the prospects for the Twins' rotation, now that Milton, Rick Reed and Kenny Rogers are gone?

Veteran depth will have to be replaced by dynamic youth. Johan Santana must prove as durable as he is dominant, Kyle Lohse must prove more consistent, and the Twins, for the first time in three years, must hope unknown quantities fill out their rotation.

They'll begin spring with Silva and Helling as their fourth and fifth starters. Phenom J.D. Durbin and prospects Grant Balfour, Boof Bonser and Juan Rincon could all be called upon this season.

"This spring is going to be a little different for us with that pitching staff," Twins General Manager Terry Ryan said. "Instead of plugging people in, we're going to spend the spring evaluating a lot of people."

3. How good can Mauer be?

In the future, the rookie catcher figures to be a perennial All-Star. This year, the Twins hope he will be better defensively than All-Star-caliber Pierzynski was last year, and approach Pierzynski's run production.

Scouts say Mauer could become one of the best players in the game.

4. With Shannon Stewart, Torii Hunter and Jacque Jones in the outfield, what will become of the Twins' many outfield prospects?

Michael Cuddyer will be used all over the field -- third, second, first, right and left field and DH. Michael Ryan, if he shows enough in spring training, will make the team as an extra outfielder.

That leaves two of the Twins' most productive prospects -- power-hitting Michael Restovich and capable leadoff man Lew Ford -- at Class AAA Rochester (N.Y.), unless one of them is traded.

Restovich is the most intriguing case. He could be the Twins' right fielder in 2005 -- if Jones leaves as a free agent. He could be their right fielder by August -- if Jones is traded for pitching.

It's easy to speculate that Restovich will be traded. More likely, the Twins will hope he can be their right fielder in 2005, which would free Cuddyer to become the third baseman if Corey Koskie leaves as a free agent after this season.

It would be difficult for the Twins to trade a native Minnesotan who has the ability, along with Justin Morneau, to solve their power woes.

"People look at it like it's a problem," manager Ron Gardenhire said. "But I think these are the kind of problems you have when you have a good team, and a good organization. You should have good players at Triple-A who can compete for big-league jobs and help you when you need it."

5. Which players are most critical to the team's success this year?

Gardenhire cited two -- Koskie and Romero. If Koskie is healthy and producing runs in the middle of the lineup, the Twins offense should improve. If Romero returns to his 2002 form, the bullpen will be better than expected.

"Among position players, the big guy, for me, is Koskie," Gardenhire said. "When he was clicking for us last May, we were killing people."

6. What should the Twins fear?

The influence of new White Sox manager Ozzie Guillen and the health of Royals Mike Sweeney, Juan Gonzalez and Jeremy Affeldt.

Guillen's aggressive personality could transform a lethargic franchise -- or alienate his clubhouse.

If Sweeney (back), Gonzalez (back) and Affeldt (blisters) can overcome recent health problems, the Royals will be a handful in the AL Central.

"I think we're the favorites, because we won it last year," Gardenhire said. "Someone is going to have to take it away from us."

7. Which Twins prospects could play the biggest roles this season?

The Twins expect Durbin and closer Jesse Crain to be factors in the race -- if not in May, then in August. If Morneau proves he can handle breaking stuff, he could take over for Matthew LeCroy at DH.

The likes of Mauer, Balfour, Rincon and new utility infielder Nick Punto aren't being considered prospects -- they're being counted upon.

"I'm not counting on Durbin and Crain to help us on April 5," Ryan said. "But they could be up later in the year."

8. Who's due for a breakout season?

Jones was the Twins' best player last spring, and is increasingly becoming a student of the game. If he can stay healthy, he could lead the team in almost any offensive category.

Koskie, Romero, Lohse and Hunter all seem poised to improve dramatically from last year -- meaning Hunter, with a few adjustments, could drive in 120 runs.

"Every guy I talked to during the Twins Caravan said he thought he should have a better year this year," Ryan said.

9. Which players could be spending their last year in Twins' uniforms?

Jones, Guzman, Koskie and pitcher Brad Radke all will be free agents at the end of the season -- making the safe assumption the Twins won't exercise Guzman's $5.25 million option for 2005.

That's why the Twins will be very interested in the development of players who could replace those four -- Cuddyer at third base and right field, Restovich in right, Punto and prospect Jason Bartlett at shortstop, and a host of starters for the rotation.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
While the Yankees are pushing their payroll past $200M a year, the Twins are having trouble keeping their "home grown kids". If you thought this offseason's losses leaves the Twins with a bunch of questions, wait until next year. Baseball needs a salary cap bad as hell. And the MLB wonders why they aren't the national pastime anymore. The NFL's cap keeps every team competative, thus keeping fans interested. Even though the Twins are among the favorites in the AL Central, fans don't have a hope of prolonged success. As soon as you grow to know a team and see them succeed, they are all gone in a couple years.

*sigh*
Oh well, so goes the life of a small market team. Beyond that, a lot of people have written off the Twins, but I think they'll win their third straight division crown. Go Twins!

[bender_over]

Re: TWINS

This article was just posted on startribune.com.
---------------------------------------------------------------------
<font color="red">Nine crucial questions face Twins entering spring training <font color="red">
</font>Jim Souhan, Star Tribune </font>


In the past three seasons, the Twins have resuscitated a dying franchise, fought off contraction, reached the ALCS for the first since 1991 and won consecutive American League Central titles for the first time since 1970.

Like a listing boat in a gathering storm, they'll discover in 2004 whether winds of change will sink them, or fill their sails.

Next Sunday, Twins pitchers and catchers will report to spring training at the Lee County Sports Complex in Fort Myers, Fla.

The next day, newcomers Joe Nathan, Carlos Silva, Henry Blanco and Rick Helling, and phenom catcher Joe Mauer will officially begin the process of replacing the likes of Eric Milton, Eddie Guardado, LaTroy Hawkins and A.J. Pierzynski, who were traded or lost to free agency during the winter.

It should be a fascinating spring, with the remnants of a cohesive core of players who grew up together trying to integrate players with whom they have no connection. Here are nine innings worth of questions and answers:

1. How will the Twins replace Hawkins and Guardado, one of baseball's most effective relief combinations?

They hope Nathan, the reliever acquired from the Giants in the Pierzynski trade, will become the closer and J.C. Romero, the Twins' most dominant pitcher in 2002, will be the primary setup man.

When he throws strikes, Romero has the stuff to mass-produce strikeouts and double plays. The Twins' reports on Nathan say he has dominating stuff and the guts to get key outs in a pennant race. "He's nasty," said former Twin Brian Buchanan, now with the Padres. "He should be really good for the Twins."

2. What are the prospects for the Twins' rotation, now that Milton, Rick Reed and Kenny Rogers are gone?

Veteran depth will have to be replaced by dynamic youth. Johan Santana must prove as durable as he is dominant, Kyle Lohse must prove more consistent, and the Twins, for the first time in three years, must hope unknown quantities fill out their rotation.

They'll begin spring with Silva and Helling as their fourth and fifth starters. Phenom J.D. Durbin and prospects Grant Balfour, Boof Bonser and Juan Rincon could all be called upon this season.

"This spring is going to be a little different for us with that pitching staff," Twins General Manager Terry Ryan said. "Instead of plugging people in, we're going to spend the spring evaluating a lot of people."

3. How good can Mauer be?

In the future, the rookie catcher figures to be a perennial All-Star. This year, the Twins hope he will be better defensively than All-Star-caliber Pierzynski was last year, and approach Pierzynski's run production.

Scouts say Mauer could become one of the best players in the game.

4. With Shannon Stewart, Torii Hunter and Jacque Jones in the outfield, what will become of the Twins' many outfield prospects?

Michael Cuddyer will be used all over the field -- third, second, first, right and left field and DH. Michael Ryan, if he shows enough in spring training, will make the team as an extra outfielder.

That leaves two of the Twins' most productive prospects -- power-hitting Michael Restovich and capable leadoff man Lew Ford -- at Class AAA Rochester (N.Y.), unless one of them is traded.

Restovich is the most intriguing case. He could be the Twins' right fielder in 2005 -- if Jones leaves as a free agent. He could be their right fielder by August -- if Jones is traded for pitching.

It's easy to speculate that Restovich will be traded. More likely, the Twins will hope he can be their right fielder in 2005, which would free Cuddyer to become the third baseman if Corey Koskie leaves as a free agent after this season.

It would be difficult for the Twins to trade a native Minnesotan who has the ability, along with Justin Morneau, to solve their power woes.

"People look at it like it's a problem," manager Ron Gardenhire said. "But I think these are the kind of problems you have when you have a good team, and a good organization. You should have good players at Triple-A who can compete for big-league jobs and help you when you need it."

5. Which players are most critical to the team's success this year?

Gardenhire cited two -- Koskie and Romero. If Koskie is healthy and producing runs in the middle of the lineup, the Twins offense should improve. If Romero returns to his 2002 form, the bullpen will be better than expected.

"Among position players, the big guy, for me, is Koskie," Gardenhire said. "When he was clicking for us last May, we were killing people."

6. What should the Twins fear?

The influence of new White Sox manager Ozzie Guillen and the health of Royals Mike Sweeney, Juan Gonzalez and Jeremy Affeldt.

Guillen's aggressive personality could transform a lethargic franchise -- or alienate his clubhouse.

If Sweeney (back), Gonzalez (back) and Affeldt (blisters) can overcome recent health problems, the Royals will be a handful in the AL Central.

"I think we're the favorites, because we won it last year," Gardenhire said. "Someone is going to have to take it away from us."

7. Which Twins prospects could play the biggest roles this season?

The Twins expect Durbin and closer Jesse Crain to be factors in the race -- if not in May, then in August. If Morneau proves he can handle breaking stuff, he could take over for Matthew LeCroy at DH.

The likes of Mauer, Balfour, Rincon and new utility infielder Nick Punto aren't being considered prospects -- they're being counted upon.

"I'm not counting on Durbin and Crain to help us on April 5," Ryan said. "But they could be up later in the year."

8. Who's due for a breakout season?

Jones was the Twins' best player last spring, and is increasingly becoming a student of the game. If he can stay healthy, he could lead the team in almost any offensive category.

Koskie, Romero, Lohse and Hunter all seem poised to improve dramatically from last year -- meaning Hunter, with a few adjustments, could drive in 120 runs.

"Every guy I talked to during the Twins Caravan said he thought he should have a better year this year," Ryan said.

9. Which players could be spending their last year in Twins' uniforms?

Jones, Guzman, Koskie and pitcher Brad Radke all will be free agents at the end of the season -- making the safe assumption the Twins won't exercise Guzman's $5.25 million option for 2005.

That's why the Twins will be very interested in the development of players who could replace those four -- Cuddyer at third base and right field, Restovich in right, Punto and prospect Jason Bartlett at shortstop, and a host of starters for the rotation.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
While the Yankees are pushing their payroll past $200M a year, the Twins are having trouble keeping their "home grown kids". If you thought this offseason's losses leaves the Twins with a bunch of questions, wait until next year. Baseball needs a salary cap bad as hell. And the MLB wonders why they aren't the national pastime anymore. The NFL's cap keeps every team competative, thus keeping fans interested. Even though the Twins are among the favorites in the AL Central, fans don't have a hope of prolonged success. As soon as you grow to know a team and see them succeed, they are all gone in a couple years.

*sigh*
Oh well, so goes the life of a small market team. Beyond that, a lot of people have written off the Twins, but I think they'll win their third straight division crown. Go Twins!

[bender_over]

Re: TWINS

This article was just posted on startribune.com.
---------------------------------------------------------------------
<font color="red">Nine crucial questions face Twins entering spring training <font color="red">
</font>Jim Souhan, Star Tribune </font>


In the past three seasons, the Twins have resuscitated a dying franchise, fought off contraction, reached the ALCS for the first since 1991 and won consecutive American League Central titles for the first time since 1970.

Like a listing boat in a gathering storm, they'll discover in 2004 whether winds of change will sink them, or fill their sails.

Next Sunday, Twins pitchers and catchers will report to spring training at the Lee County Sports Complex in Fort Myers, Fla.

The next day, newcomers Joe Nathan, Carlos Silva, Henry Blanco and Rick Helling, and phenom catcher Joe Mauer will officially begin the process of replacing the likes of Eric Milton, Eddie Guardado, LaTroy Hawkins and A.J. Pierzynski, who were traded or lost to free agency during the winter.

It should be a fascinating spring, with the remnants of a cohesive core of players who grew up together trying to integrate players with whom they have no connection. Here are nine innings worth of questions and answers:

1. How will the Twins replace Hawkins and Guardado, one of baseball's most effective relief combinations?

They hope Nathan, the reliever acquired from the Giants in the Pierzynski trade, will become the closer and J.C. Romero, the Twins' most dominant pitcher in 2002, will be the primary setup man.

When he throws strikes, Romero has the stuff to mass-produce strikeouts and double plays. The Twins' reports on Nathan say he has dominating stuff and the guts to get key outs in a pennant race. "He's nasty," said former Twin Brian Buchanan, now with the Padres. "He should be really good for the Twins."

2. What are the prospects for the Twins' rotation, now that Milton, Rick Reed and Kenny Rogers are gone?

Veteran depth will have to be replaced by dynamic youth. Johan Santana must prove as durable as he is dominant, Kyle Lohse must prove more consistent, and the Twins, for the first time in three years, must hope unknown quantities fill out their rotation.

They'll begin spring with Silva and Helling as their fourth and fifth starters. Phenom J.D. Durbin and prospects Grant Balfour, Boof Bonser and Juan Rincon could all be called upon this season.

"This spring is going to be a little different for us with that pitching staff," Twins General Manager Terry Ryan said. "Instead of plugging people in, we're going to spend the spring evaluating a lot of people."

3. How good can Mauer be?

In the future, the rookie catcher figures to be a perennial All-Star. This year, the Twins hope he will be better defensively than All-Star-caliber Pierzynski was last year, and approach Pierzynski's run production.

Scouts say Mauer could become one of the best players in the game.

4. With Shannon Stewart, Torii Hunter and Jacque Jones in the outfield, what will become of the Twins' many outfield prospects?

Michael Cuddyer will be used all over the field -- third, second, first, right and left field and DH. Michael Ryan, if he shows enough in spring training, will make the team as an extra outfielder.

That leaves two of the Twins' most productive prospects -- power-hitting Michael Restovich and capable leadoff man Lew Ford -- at Class AAA Rochester (N.Y.), unless one of them is traded.

Restovich is the most intriguing case. He could be the Twins' right fielder in 2005 -- if Jones leaves as a free agent. He could be their right fielder by August -- if Jones is traded for pitching.

It's easy to speculate that Restovich will be traded. More likely, the Twins will hope he can be their right fielder in 2005, which would free Cuddyer to become the third baseman if Corey Koskie leaves as a free agent after this season.

It would be difficult for the Twins to trade a native Minnesotan who has the ability, along with Justin Morneau, to solve their power woes.

"People look at it like it's a problem," manager Ron Gardenhire said. "But I think these are the kind of problems you have when you have a good team, and a good organization. You should have good players at Triple-A who can compete for big-league jobs and help you when you need it."

5. Which players are most critical to the team's success this year?

Gardenhire cited two -- Koskie and Romero. If Koskie is healthy and producing runs in the middle of the lineup, the Twins offense should improve. If Romero returns to his 2002 form, the bullpen will be better than expected.

"Among position players, the big guy, for me, is Koskie," Gardenhire said. "When he was clicking for us last May, we were killing people."

6. What should the Twins fear?

The influence of new White Sox manager Ozzie Guillen and the health of Royals Mike Sweeney, Juan Gonzalez and Jeremy Affeldt.

Guillen's aggressive personality could transform a lethargic franchise -- or alienate his clubhouse.

If Sweeney (back), Gonzalez (back) and Affeldt (blisters) can overcome recent health problems, the Royals will be a handful in the AL Central.

"I think we're the favorites, because we won it last year," Gardenhire said. "Someone is going to have to take it away from us."

7. Which Twins prospects could play the biggest roles this season?

The Twins expect Durbin and closer Jesse Crain to be factors in the race -- if not in May, then in August. If Morneau proves he can handle breaking stuff, he could take over for Matthew LeCroy at DH.

The likes of Mauer, Balfour, Rincon and new utility infielder Nick Punto aren't being considered prospects -- they're being counted upon.

"I'm not counting on Durbin and Crain to help us on April 5," Ryan said. "But they could be up later in the year."

8. Who's due for a breakout season?

Jones was the Twins' best player last spring, and is increasingly becoming a student of the game. If he can stay healthy, he could lead the team in almost any offensive category.

Koskie, Romero, Lohse and Hunter all seem poised to improve dramatically from last year -- meaning Hunter, with a few adjustments, could drive in 120 runs.

"Every guy I talked to during the Twins Caravan said he thought he should have a better year this year," Ryan said.

9. Which players could be spending their last year in Twins' uniforms?

Jones, Guzman, Koskie and pitcher Brad Radke all will be free agents at the end of the season -- making the safe assumption the Twins won't exercise Guzman's $5.25 million option for 2005.

That's why the Twins will be very interested in the development of players who could replace those four -- Cuddyer at third base and right field, Restovich in right, Punto and prospect Jason Bartlett at shortstop, and a host of starters for the rotation.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
While the Yankees are pushing their payroll past $200M a year, the Twins are having trouble keeping their "home grown kids". If you thought this offseason's losses leaves the Twins with a bunch of questions, wait until next year. Baseball needs a salary cap bad as hell. And the MLB wonders why they aren't the national pastime anymore. The NFL's cap keeps every team competative, thus keeping fans interested. Even though the Twins are among the favorites in the AL Central, fans don't have a hope of prolonged success. As soon as you grow to know a team and see them succeed, they are all gone in a couple years.

*sigh*
Oh well, so goes the life of a small market team. Beyond that, a lot of people have written off the Twins, but I think they'll win their third straight division crown. Go Twins!

[bender_over]

Re: TWINS

Twins re-sign Doug Mientkiewicz! 2 year deal worth $7 million with an option for a third year

<font color="red">Twins, Mientkiewicz agree to 2-year, $7 million deal
Jim Souhan, Star Tribune

Published February 17, 2004</font>

Who says the Twins can't compete with the Yankees? On the day Major League Baseball approved the trade of Alex Rodriguez to New York, the Twins signed another graduate of Miami's Westminster Christian High.

First baseman Doug Mientkiewicz avoided arbitration by signing a two-year contract with an option for the 2006 season.

"It never fails," Mientkiewicz said late Monday night. "No matter what happens in my life, I get overshadowed by my own high school shortstop."

Mientkiewicz's deal is worth $7 million over two years. The option year is valued at $4 million, although it could fluctuate depending on how many plate appearances Mientkiewicz has in the next two seasons.

"It's ironic he and A-Rod are making news on the same day," Twins General Manager Terry Ryan said. "Yes, they may be on a little different plateau, monetarily, but it's funny this happened on the same day."

Mientkiewicz played catcher on the Westminster baseball team, and as a tight end on the football team he caught passes from Rodriguez. While the ramifications of his signing won't captivate the baseball world the way the Rodriguez trade will, the deal was significant for the Twins for several reasons.

It means the Twins:

• Value Mientkiewicz's brilliant fielding and are in no rush to replace him with Justin Morneau, a first baseman who is one of their top hitting prospects but has miles to go with the glove.

"This is just a sign that this guy helps us win baseball games," Ryan said. "You never can tell what a prospect might do, but Doug's been a big part of our winning here. You don't win many games at this level with a bunch of rookies. He's in the prime of his career, and even though he's not the stereotypical first baseman in terms of power, he does a lot of good things with his bat."

Last year, Mientkiewicz hit .300 and ranked ninth in the AL in on-base percentage.

• Did not let Mientkiewicz's criticisms of the franchise, in an interview with the Star Tribune last month, affect their view of him.

"Doug's had some things to say because he's lost some good friends off this team," Ryan said. "I'll never try to muzzle a player. It's a sore spot for him, but it's a sore spot for me, too. I didn't want to lose those players."

• Are counting on Mientkiewicz providing leadership on a team that lost a handful of valued veterans this winter.

"I think that's built into his personality," Ryan said. "He's an intense, competitive guy. He gives us everything he's got when he is on the field."

Mientkiewicz made $1.75 million last year, after settling with the Twins before arbitration. He requested $3.6 million this year; the Twins offered $2.5 million. Ryan said those numbers indicated it would be easier to cut a two-year deal with Mientkiewicz than settle on a one-year deal.

Ryan credited Assistant General Manager Wayne Krivsky for his work on the deal, along with Mientkiewicz, who had to pass a physical Monday before the deal was completed.

"I wanted to check out that wrist," Ryan said of the left wrist injury that has bothered Mientkiewicz the past two years. "He looks fine, like he's ready to go."

Mientkiewicz is one of the eloquent and emotional quotes in baseball. In January, he questioned the Twins' commitment to winning after they lost such veterans as Eddie Guardado, LaTroy Hawkins, A.J. Pierzynski and Eric Milton.

Monday, after landing near his home in Miami, Mientkiewicz said this:

"I'm really happy to be staying in the Twin Cities. The fans have been nothing but great to me. I love Minnesota. The fans there have had every right to turn their backs on me a few times, yet they've been fantastic to me. I want to keep playing there, in front of them."

[bender_over]

Re: TWINS

Twins re-sign Doug Mientkiewicz! 2 year deal worth $7 million with an option for a third year

<font color="red">Twins, Mientkiewicz agree to 2-year, $7 million deal
Jim Souhan, Star Tribune

Published February 17, 2004</font>

Who says the Twins can't compete with the Yankees? On the day Major League Baseball approved the trade of Alex Rodriguez to New York, the Twins signed another graduate of Miami's Westminster Christian High.

First baseman Doug Mientkiewicz avoided arbitration by signing a two-year contract with an option for the 2006 season.

"It never fails," Mientkiewicz said late Monday night. "No matter what happens in my life, I get overshadowed by my own high school shortstop."

Mientkiewicz's deal is worth $7 million over two years. The option year is valued at $4 million, although it could fluctuate depending on how many plate appearances Mientkiewicz has in the next two seasons.

"It's ironic he and A-Rod are making news on the same day," Twins General Manager Terry Ryan said. "Yes, they may be on a little different plateau, monetarily, but it's funny this happened on the same day."

Mientkiewicz played catcher on the Westminster baseball team, and as a tight end on the football team he caught passes from Rodriguez. While the ramifications of his signing won't captivate the baseball world the way the Rodriguez trade will, the deal was significant for the Twins for several reasons.

It means the Twins:

• Value Mientkiewicz's brilliant fielding and are in no rush to replace him with Justin Morneau, a first baseman who is one of their top hitting prospects but has miles to go with the glove.

"This is just a sign that this guy helps us win baseball games," Ryan said. "You never can tell what a prospect might do, but Doug's been a big part of our winning here. You don't win many games at this level with a bunch of rookies. He's in the prime of his career, and even though he's not the stereotypical first baseman in terms of power, he does a lot of good things with his bat."

Last year, Mientkiewicz hit .300 and ranked ninth in the AL in on-base percentage.

• Did not let Mientkiewicz's criticisms of the franchise, in an interview with the Star Tribune last month, affect their view of him.

"Doug's had some things to say because he's lost some good friends off this team," Ryan said. "I'll never try to muzzle a player. It's a sore spot for him, but it's a sore spot for me, too. I didn't want to lose those players."

• Are counting on Mientkiewicz providing leadership on a team that lost a handful of valued veterans this winter.

"I think that's built into his personality," Ryan said. "He's an intense, competitive guy. He gives us everything he's got when he is on the field."

Mientkiewicz made $1.75 million last year, after settling with the Twins before arbitration. He requested $3.6 million this year; the Twins offered $2.5 million. Ryan said those numbers indicated it would be easier to cut a two-year deal with Mientkiewicz than settle on a one-year deal.

Ryan credited Assistant General Manager Wayne Krivsky for his work on the deal, along with Mientkiewicz, who had to pass a physical Monday before the deal was completed.

"I wanted to check out that wrist," Ryan said of the left wrist injury that has bothered Mientkiewicz the past two years. "He looks fine, like he's ready to go."

Mientkiewicz is one of the eloquent and emotional quotes in baseball. In January, he questioned the Twins' commitment to winning after they lost such veterans as Eddie Guardado, LaTroy Hawkins, A.J. Pierzynski and Eric Milton.

Monday, after landing near his home in Miami, Mientkiewicz said this:

"I'm really happy to be staying in the Twin Cities. The fans have been nothing but great to me. I love Minnesota. The fans there have had every right to turn their backs on me a few times, yet they've been fantastic to me. I want to keep playing there, in front of them."

[bender_over]

Re: TWINS

Twins re-sign Doug Mientkiewicz! 2 year deal worth $7 million with an option for a third year

<font color="red">Twins, Mientkiewicz agree to 2-year, $7 million deal
Jim Souhan, Star Tribune

Published February 17, 2004</font>

Who says the Twins can't compete with the Yankees? On the day Major League Baseball approved the trade of Alex Rodriguez to New York, the Twins signed another graduate of Miami's Westminster Christian High.

First baseman Doug Mientkiewicz avoided arbitration by signing a two-year contract with an option for the 2006 season.

"It never fails," Mientkiewicz said late Monday night. "No matter what happens in my life, I get overshadowed by my own high school shortstop."

Mientkiewicz's deal is worth $7 million over two years. The option year is valued at $4 million, although it could fluctuate depending on how many plate appearances Mientkiewicz has in the next two seasons.

"It's ironic he and A-Rod are making news on the same day," Twins General Manager Terry Ryan said. "Yes, they may be on a little different plateau, monetarily, but it's funny this happened on the same day."

Mientkiewicz played catcher on the Westminster baseball team, and as a tight end on the football team he caught passes from Rodriguez. While the ramifications of his signing won't captivate the baseball world the way the Rodriguez trade will, the deal was significant for the Twins for several reasons.

It means the Twins:

• Value Mientkiewicz's brilliant fielding and are in no rush to replace him with Justin Morneau, a first baseman who is one of their top hitting prospects but has miles to go with the glove.

"This is just a sign that this guy helps us win baseball games," Ryan said. "You never can tell what a prospect might do, but Doug's been a big part of our winning here. You don't win many games at this level with a bunch of rookies. He's in the prime of his career, and even though he's not the stereotypical first baseman in terms of power, he does a lot of good things with his bat."

Last year, Mientkiewicz hit .300 and ranked ninth in the AL in on-base percentage.

• Did not let Mientkiewicz's criticisms of the franchise, in an interview with the Star Tribune last month, affect their view of him.

"Doug's had some things to say because he's lost some good friends off this team," Ryan said. "I'll never try to muzzle a player. It's a sore spot for him, but it's a sore spot for me, too. I didn't want to lose those players."

• Are counting on Mientkiewicz providing leadership on a team that lost a handful of valued veterans this winter.

"I think that's built into his personality," Ryan said. "He's an intense, competitive guy. He gives us everything he's got when he is on the field."

Mientkiewicz made $1.75 million last year, after settling with the Twins before arbitration. He requested $3.6 million this year; the Twins offered $2.5 million. Ryan said those numbers indicated it would be easier to cut a two-year deal with Mientkiewicz than settle on a one-year deal.

Ryan credited Assistant General Manager Wayne Krivsky for his work on the deal, along with Mientkiewicz, who had to pass a physical Monday before the deal was completed.

"I wanted to check out that wrist," Ryan said of the left wrist injury that has bothered Mientkiewicz the past two years. "He looks fine, like he's ready to go."

Mientkiewicz is one of the eloquent and emotional quotes in baseball. In January, he questioned the Twins' commitment to winning after they lost such veterans as Eddie Guardado, LaTroy Hawkins, A.J. Pierzynski and Eric Milton.

Monday, after landing near his home in Miami, Mientkiewicz said this:

"I'm really happy to be staying in the Twin Cities. The fans have been nothing but great to me. I love Minnesota. The fans there have had every right to turn their backs on me a few times, yet they've been fantastic to me. I want to keep playing there, in front of them."

[tbuck]

Re: TWINS

Doug is the best defensive first baseman in the major leagues, and the best i've ever seen, but i'm not sure how heavily the Twins should lean on him for leadership. He has a habit of whining and complaining, and those aren't leadership qualities. Morneau isn't ready yet, so i think this was a good move by the Twins. They get incredible D, decent clutch hitting, and some trade bait if things change with the team or Morneau.

[tbuck]

Re: TWINS

Doug is the best defensive first baseman in the major leagues, and the best i've ever seen, but i'm not sure how heavily the Twins should lean on him for leadership. He has a habit of whining and complaining, and those aren't leadership qualities. Morneau isn't ready yet, so i think this was a good move by the Twins. They get incredible D, decent clutch hitting, and some trade bait if things change with the team or Morneau.