=====================================
Mauer is Twins Catch for 2004
=====================================

Is this really a surprise to ANYONE????!!!!

From the Pioneer Press:

The Twins agreed to a one-year contract with former
Atlanta and Milwaukee catcher Henry Blanco on
Thursday, giving the team the veteran they were
seeking to serve as a backup and mentor to rookie Joe
Mauer, effectively giving the starting job to the St.
Paul phenom.

Mauer, a Cretin-Derham Hall graduate and the No. 1
pick in the 2001 draft, has been groomed as the
replacement for A.J. Pierzynski, traded to San
Francisco last month.

"When A.J. got traded, I didn't think this would
happen this quickly," Mauer said Thursday. "It's
something I've always wanted to do. I'm thankful the
organization thinks I'm ready for the challenge."

Mauer gets a backup
http://www.twincities.com/mld/pioneerpress/sports/baseball/mlb/minnesota_twins/7\
525843.htm

Twins agree to terms with catcher Blanco
http://www.twincities.com/mld/pioneerpress/sports/baseball/mlb/minnesota_twins/7\
522878.htm

Twins sign backup catcher
http://www.startribune.com/stories/509/4276704.html

Twins sign former Atlanta player as backup catcher
http://www.startribune.com/stories/509/4275789.html

=====================================
Miracle Headlines:
=====================================

Miracle alums get invite to Twins camp
http://www.naplesnews.com/npdn/sports/article/0,2071,NPDN_15000_2519257,00.html

Seven ex-Miracle Players granted Big League invite
http://www.oursportscentral.com/services/releases/?id=2987723&l_id=39&t_id=378

Miracle set to play host to Schmidt
Hall-of-Famer now manager of FSL’s Clearwater
Threshers
http://www.news-press.com/news/sports/031211miracle.html

Miracle release 2004 schedule
http://www.naplesnews.com/npdn/sports/article/0,2071,NPDN_15000_2491310,00.html

Miracle Present a Holiday Gift to their Fans, 2004
Schedule Released
http://www.oursportscentral.com/services/releases/?id=2985317&l_id=39&t_id=378

=====================================
Affiliate Report:
=====================================

Twins offer arbitration to key players

Jim Molony of MLB.com reports that the Twins offered
arbitration to 1B Doug Mientkiewicz and pitchers Johan
Santana and J.C. Romero at Saturday's deadline. 2B
Luis Rivas, who was eligible for arbitration, signed a
one-year deal Friday; INF Augie Ojeda was not tendered
a contract, but is expected to sign in the next few
days...

The Twins have invited these players to spring
training: catchers Chris Heintz, Brandon Marsters, Joe
Mauer and Gabby Torres; infielders Jake Mauer, Alex
Prieto, and Luis Rodriguez; and pitchers Jesse Crain,
Seth Greisinger, Peter Munro, Jeromy Palki, and Joe
Roa...

Minnesota acquired three players Dec. 17 to complete
previous trades.
http://www.redwingsbaseball.com/pressbox/pressrls.php?action=view&&id=134

A trio of Red Wing Michael's will hit the road for the
Twins Caravan after finishing their winter ball
assignment.
Find out more in our Hot Stove Report:
http://www.redwingsbaseball.com/pressbox/hotstovereport.html

Rochesters' projected 2004 Preseason Roster
http://www.redwingsbaseball.com/pressbox/preroster.html

KSTC-TV to televise Friday-night Twins games
http://www.twincities.com/mld/pioneerpress/sports/baseball/mlb/minnesota_twins/7\
553137.htm

Twins, KSTC agree to one-year contract
http://www.startribune.com/stories/509/4282895.html

Trades net Twins 3 pitchers
http://www.twincities.com/mld/pioneerpress/sports/baseball/mlb/minnesota_twins/7\
517164.htm

Twins sign Ojeda, Rivas
http://www.startribune.com/stories/509/4283082.html

Slow winter meetings end for Twins
http://www.startribune.com/stories/509/4269981.html

Twins agree to terms with Ojeda
http://www.startribune.com/stories/509/4282405.html

=====================================
And some really GOOD NEWS:
=====================================

Al Newman making progress in rehabilitation
http://www.startribune.com/stories/509/4280850.html

=====================================
Transactions:
=====================================

Minnesota Twins - Agreed to terms with infielders Luis
Rivas and Augie Ojeda on one-year contracts.

Minnesota Twins - Agreed to a one-year contract and a
club option for 2005 with free agent catcher Henry
Blanco, who had been with the Atlanta Braves.

Minnesota Twins - Acquired pitcher David Gassner from
the Toronto Blue Jays, completing a July 16 trade.

Minnesota Twins - Signed RHP Joe Roa.

=====
Dianna

Fort Myers Miracle Fan Page
http://www.geocities.com/fmmiraclegal/index.html

Bladesline Online
http://www.geocities.com/bladesgal17/index.html

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