With Major League Baseball agreeing to back off contraction for the time being as part of a pending settlement to a lawsuit brought by the Metrodome’s operators, the Minnesota Twins’ outlook has brightened considerably. But the Twins’ good fortune could be bad news for the Florida Marlins, Tampa Bay Devil Rays, Kansas City Royals or Toronto Blue Jays.
Commissioner Bud Selig said the outcome of a grievance with the players union is the only thing that will stop owners from eliminating two teams.
“If we are as successful in Minnesota, as I hope we are, we have other candidates,” Selig said after an owners meeting in Chicago on Wednesday. “That does not put any cramp on our contraction plans.”
The Montreal Expos are the leading candidate to be eliminated or relocated. If the Twins are successful in getting both new ownership and a new stadium–and Selig is optimistic about both–then owners will need to find a second team to eliminate along with the Expos.
A bill the Minnesota legislature recently passed is the first step toward survival for the Twins. According to sources, Minnesota Timberwolves owner Glenn Taylor has emerged as a possible buyer for the team.
Selig believes a settlement of a lawsuit by the Metropolitan Sports Facilities Commission will be announced soon. The commission tabled a vote Wednesday.
“It appears as if we’re making progress to having the Twins stay and play in Minnesota.” chairwoman Kathryn Roberts said. “There has been positive movement, but to be responsible as a public body, we need a definitive written agreement.”
Under the reported terms of the settlement, MLB will agree to keep the Twins in operation through the 2003 season. That gives owner Carl Pohlad or a buyer additional time to work out funding for a stadium in St. Paul or Minneapolis.
“We’re trying to assure the next two generations there will be baseball in Minnesota,” Selig said. “This is a good thing.”
