Minnesota chases rare feat

Twins seek fourth straight division title

By Deron Snyder
Fort Myers News Press

Minnesota general manager Terry Ryan leaned back in his chair and surveyed the office wall to his left, where each major-league team's 40-man roster was posted.

"I've got to get the size right," said Ryan, entering his 11th season as Minnesota's general manager. "We've got to make the print better."

Ryan might strain to see the writing on his wall. But his vision has been sharp enough to construct the three-time defending American League Central champions, who are poised to contend for the 2005 title.

If successful, Minnesota would join Atlanta, the New York Yankees, Cleveland and Oakland, as the only franchises to win four or more consecutive titles since 1969, when division play began.

"We have another challenge ahead of us, and that's to win the division again," manager Ron Gardenhire said. "Not too many teams have done that. Look at the Atlanta Braves, how many times they've done it. That's an amazing run."

The Braves have won 13 consecutive division titles since 1991. The Yankees have won seven in a row since 1998. The Indians won five (1995-99), tying the Athletics' five (1971-75).

Minnesota is one of eight other franchises with at least three consecutive division titles since 1969.

During the current run, Ryan has been honored as Executive of the Year by The Sporting News, and the Twins have been named Organization of the Year by Baseball America, USA Today and SportsTicker.

Gardenhire's teams have never finished lower than first in his three years as skipper, but he's had to settle for two second-place finishes (and a third-place finish) in voting for American League Manager of the Year.

Ryan said he's heard about teams trying to pattern themselves after the Twins, who rely heavily on scouting and development to compensate for their medium-sized payroll. He said the awards, honors and kudos "make you feel good.

"But you don't want to hear the statement that we get there and don't get beyond," Ryan said. "It doesn't do any good unless you get into the World Series, although there are a lot of people who certainly would like to have some of the things we've accomplished."

The Yankees have defeated Minnesota in the AL Division Series the past two seasons. The Twins advanced to the AL Championship Series in 2002, losing to the eventual World Series champion Anaheim Angels.

"You just have to keep it in perspective when you have a good year," Gardenhire said. "We're very proud of this organization getting into the playoffs, and doing what we've been doing.

"There's nothing to be ashamed of, losing in the playoffs. It's not fun. But we've got a good baseball team and that's what it's all about."

TICKET SPECIAL

The Twins are offering a ticket discount to celebrate their stay in Southwest Florida.

The "Fort Myers 15th Anniversary Special" is good for three games, beginning with Minnesota's Grapefruit League home-opener on Friday, March 4, against Toronto.

Fans can purchase $16 reserved seats for $8, with no limit ticket purchases.

The same deal will apply Monday, March 7, against Tampa Bay, and Tuesday, March 8, against Toronto.

All three games begin at 1:05 p.m., and the offer applies only to reserved seats while supplies last.

GOLF TOURNAMENT

The Twins will host their annual celebrity golf tournament today at Pelican Preserve with a 12:30 p.m. shotgun start.

More than 30 current Twins players, coaches and former players will participate in the seventh annual tournament which raises money for Lee Cancer Care. To date, the event has raised more than $100,000.

For more information, contact the Twins at 768-4200 or Pelican Reserve at 985-1600.