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Spring training 2007

Morneau signs one-year contract -- for now

By LaVelle E. Neal III, Star Tribune

Last update: March 01, 2007

It's not the multiyear deal the Twins hoped to complete (yet), but they did agree to terms Friday with reigning AL MVP Justin Morneau on a one-year, $4.5 million contract.

Morneau's deal was the most significant one of four announced by the Twins. Infielder Nick Punto will receive $4.2 million over two years.

Reliever Juan Rincon agreed to a one-year deal worth $2 million, and outfielder Lew Ford agreed to a one-year deal worth $985,000.

The Twins tried to sign Morneau, who hit .321 with 34 homers and 130 RBI last season, to a multiyear deal, but the gap is significant.

Read more...

Each year, the Minnesota Twins begin the season in Fort Myers, Florida. For the team and fans alike, it's a chance to warm up and get ready for baseball.

It's baseball season -- somewhere

It may be snowy in Minnesota, but in Fort Myers, Fla., Minnesotans are sitting in the sun and soaking up that sign of spring -- baseball.

Ever wonder just how hard Santana throws?

We hung out behind the plate in the spring training bullpen during a practice session with 2006 Cy Young award-winning pitcher Johan Santana. You imagine being the batter -- could you hit him? Play-by-play courtesy of coach Rick Stelmaszek and Matthew LeCroy who stood in the batter's box.

More from this series:

  • Video Field of green
    Meet George Toma, veteran of decades of grounds keeping for the major leagues and the NFL, who in retirement has taken on two Minnesota teams. For six years now, he's worked on the field at Hammond Stadium in Fort Myers, Fla., and last spring he took on the Vikings practice field as well.
  • Video It's not all Twins in Fort Myers
    In Fort Myers, fans can cozy up to either the Twins or the Boston Red Sox since the stadiums are only a few miles apart. The fans will tell you how it is.
  • Video Twins' Anderson has one big happy pitching family
    Twins pitching coach Rick Anderson pushes consistency in developing his pitching staff. He believes the key to that consistency is repetition and having a little fun along the way.
  • Video Twins defensive philosophy pays off
    The Minnesota Twins defensive philosophy has paid off so well the past 14 years that the team has consistently been ranked No. 1, 2, or 3 in the league.
  • Twins: Cuddyer case looks headed to arbitration
  • Twins, pitcher Crain agree on contract
    The righthander will get a three-year deal as the team tries to keep its bullpen intact.
  • Video Opening day: A new beginning
    Twins players look forward to opening at home because of the energy the sold-out crowd brings to the Dome. The fans just can't wait to get the party started.