Twins, Miracle stick together

4-year development deal signed

The Fort Myers Miracle will be the Minnesota Twins' Class-A affiliate for at least four more years.

The Twins signed a four-year player development contract to keep its Class-A affiliate in Fort Myers on Thursday. The Miracle have been affiliated with the Twins since 1992. The prior agreement between the clubs expired after the 2004 Florida State League season.

"We've been the Twins affiliate (for 13 seasons) so it was a natural progression to move forward," Miracle general manager Steve Gliner said. "It's a very good day for us."

Unlike some major league clubs, the Twins focus on developing home-grown talent and promoting the players through their minor league system.

More than half of Minnesota's current roster contains Miracle alumni. Twins catcher Joe Mauer, pitchers J.D. Durbin and Jesse Crain and outfielder Jason Kubel played for Fort Myers in 2003.

"We've really benefited through the years," Gliner said. "As a Fort Myers Miracle fan, you can say, 'Hey, I remember when so and so used to play here.' "

Under the terms of the agreement, the Twins will pay for Fort Myers' salaries and health insurance. The Miracle will handle everything from the operational standpoint.

The Miracle were one of three FSL clubs whose affiliation agreements expired after last season. Sarasota and Brevard County's affiliations with the Boston Red Sox and the Montreal Expos, respectively, also expired.

The Cincinnati Reds signed a two-year contract to field a team in Sarasota. The Milwaukee Brewers inked a two-year deal to field a squad in Brevard County.