Molitor returns to Minnesota as minor league instructor

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) -- Paul Molitor is returning to Minnesota as a roving minor league instructor, the same job he held before a one-year stint as Seattle's hitting coach.

The Mariners struggled offensively and lost 99 games last year, and the coaching staff was let go when manager Bob Melvin was fired.

Molitor will be responsible for coordinating the baserunning and infield instruction within the Twins' minor league system, the team said Monday. The 48-year-old Hall of Famer, who spent 21 seasons in the majors with Milwaukee, Toronto and Minnesota, is a native of St. Paul.