Steinbach Is Richer for Going Home to Twins

Like Dave Winfield, Jack Morris, Rick Aguilera and Paul Molitor before him, Terry Steinbach turned down more money to come home and play for the Minnesota Twins.

The New Ulm, Minn., native and former University of Minnesota star agreed to a $6.2-million, two-year contract Thursday after the most productive of his 10 seasons with the Oakland Athletics.

“You’re born and bred in Minnesota, and it carries a lot of clout,” said Steinbach, who has lived in Plymouth, a Minneapolis suburb, during the off-season. “It’s something that we have thought about a long time.”

Oakland and the St. Louis Cardinals were among at least six teams that would have paid Steinbach more than the Twins. Steinbach earned $4 million last season when he set an American League record for home runs by a catcher and drove in 100 runs for the first time in his career.

His 35 homers--34 as a catcher--were 19 more than his previous high, and he topped his best RBI total by 33.

“To me, the thing that really means the most is that I know my family is getting the best opportunity to enjoy themselves,” Steinbach said. “The kids are in the same school, they get to be around their grandparents and their friends. And yet I get to enjoy playing this great game. So, for me, it’s the best of both worlds to be here in Minnesota.”

The Twins hope Steinbach’s experience will steady the young pitchers already on their staff, although veteran pitchers are at the top of Minnesota’s off-season wish list.

*

A day after successful treatment for an enlarged prostate gland, Montreal Expo Manager Felipe Alou was given a contract extension through 2000.

Alou agreed to manage the club through 1999 with a personal-services clause for 2000. His previous contract called for him to manage in 1997 and stay with the club in an unspecified capacity in 1998.

Alou, 61, reportedly will get $2 million over the next three years.

Alou said he’s optimistic about next season, even though the Expos traded starting pitcher Jeff Fassero, and Moises Alou and Mel Rojas will become free agents.

“With my son Moises leaving, that’s the biggest departure so far,” Alou said. “I felt that if I can’t stay with Moises, I’d rather stay where I am. It is a tremendous challenge to develop young ballplayers and win. Last season was very encouraging. I’m sure we can do it again.”

Montreal was 88-74 last season and contended for a wild-card spot in the playoffs.

*

Chicago White Sox General Manager Ron Schueler rescinded a five-year, $30-million offer to pitcher Alex Fernandez, saying the team can’t wait for the right-hander to test the free-agent market.

“I’ve got a team to put together. We’ll get more pitching. It’s coming,” Schueler told the Chicago Sun-Times.

Fernandez, 16-10 last season with a 3.45 earned-run average, gained the right to become a free agent with the ratification Thursday of the proposed labor deal. His agent, Scott Boras, hopes the White Sox will reconsider their decision.

The Cubs and Florida are among several teams interested in Fernandez, 27. His parents live in Miami and he is building a home near the Marlins’ stadium.

*

Hall of Famer Harry Caray will return for his 53rd season behind the mike doing Chicago Cubs’ play-by-play.

Caray will begin his 15th year with the Cubs on WGN-TV and WGN-AM Radio next season, the stations said.