Minnesota Makes Move to Keep Twins at Home

With a deal for the sale of the Minnesota Twins looking imminent Thursday, Gov. Arne Carlson and legislative leaders plan to meet with acting baseball Commissioner Bud Selig to discuss a possible move of the team.

North Carolina businessman Don Beaver, the potential buyer, was to meet with an ownership group and decide whether to make a deal for the team, reportedly between $140 million and $160 million.

A deal would put pressure on the state Legislature, which Carlson said he would call into a special session the week of Oct. 20 to decide whether to help build a new ballpark for the team.

Bernie Omann, Carlson’s chief of staff, said the visit to Selig is “due diligence on the part of the state to find out what the league’s position is on the current negotiations” with the Twins.

Twin officials said it’s a “strong possibility” Beaver would be in Minneapolis today for an announcement. If Beaver bought the team, he is expected to move it to North Carolina.

Twin owner Carl Pohlad began seeking buyers for the team after the Legislature failed during the regular session to finance a new stadium, which he says the Twins need because they are losing money in the 15-year-old Metrodome.

Under the Twins’ Metrodome lease, the team could relocate after the 1998 season.

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Texas Ranger outfielder Warren Newson cleared waivers for the purpose of outright assignment to the minor leagues, but rejected the assignment and has been granted free agency, the club said.