Longtime Twins broadcaster John Gordon is set to call the final game at the Metrodome and the first one at Target Field.

Twins President Dave St. Peter said this week that Gordon has signed a two-year contract extension that could slightly reduce his workload. The Twins will play their final season at the Dome in 2009 before moving to their new ballpark. Two years is also how long KSTP Radio (1500 AM) has left on its contract to serve as the Twins affiliate in the metropolitan area.

"I know for John it was very important for him to be part of the final season at the Dome a well as, more importantly, the first season at Target Field," St. Peter said. "It was an important factor for the team and its fans that he was in the booth for the last pitch at the Dome and first pitch at Target Field."

Gordon praised the work the franchise has done with its broadcasts since taking them in-house two seasons ago. "It's been a great experience, the association with everybody involved," he said.

Gordon has been scheduled to work all 162 games each season since joining the Twins in 1987 but now will begin to take off about a dozen games a year. Gordon also will have the option of taking off a few spring training broadcasts. Gordon's radio partner, former Twin Dan Gladden, isn't scheduled to work about 20 games during the regular season.

Gordon, who spent three years calling games for the Baltimore Orioles and five with the Yankees before coming to Minnesota, admitted he feels funny about lessening his workload.

"I'm not really looking to cut back," he said. "But they feel like the fact [television announcers] Bert Blyleven and Dick Bremer don't do every game, that when they come back they are re-energized. I'd prefer to have the opportunity to work all 162. I get time off from October through February. ... But if the Twins want me to take some time off I will take it off and be re-energized."

As far as who might sub for Gordon, St. Peter said the Twins have "a number of options" and that he doesn't expect to go outside the organization to find a fill-in. Jack Morris, who is the primary replacement when Gladden is off and also joins the booth at other times each season, does not have a contract for 2009 but talks between the two sides likely will begin soon. Gladden, meanwhile, already is signed through 2010. Bremer and Blyleven have long-term contracts that mirror a Twins television deal with FSN North that runs through 2011.