As former Twins manager Ron Gardenhire prepares for a new job, his son (and former Twins farmhand) Toby Gardenhire is doing the same.

The younger Gardenhire will begin working with Twins prospects on the organization's rookie-level Gulf Coast League team beginning this season, after resigning his post as coach at Wisconsin-Stout, the university announced Monday.

Gardenhire, who compiled an 81-116 record at Stout in five seasons, worked part-time for the GCL Twins last summer and has accepted an expanded role for the upcoming season. The 34-year-old former infielder, chosen in the 41st round of the 2005 draft, spent seven seasons in the Twins' system during his father's tenure as Twins manager. He has been replaced at Stout by assistant coach Ben Kincaid, the university announced.

Ron Gardenhire, who served as a special assistant to former Twins general manager Terry Ryan last season, was hired last fall as bench coach for the Arizona Diamondbacks under new manager Torey Lovullo.

PHIL MILLER

Etc.

• Denver (14-4-4) took over at No. 1 in the USCHO men's hockey poll, getting 27 of 50 first-place votes. Minnesota Duluth (12-4-4) fell to No. 3, ending a six-week run as the nation's top-ranked team, after a tie and loss at home over the weekend to Colorado College. The Gophers (11-5-2) are ninth.

• The Saints signed free-agent outfielder Tim Colwell, an Irondale High School product who hit .301 for the Sioux City Explorers last season.

news services