Associated Press

MINNEAPOLIS - The Minnesota Twins avoided arbitration
with first baseman Doug Mientkiewicz by agreeing to a
two-year deal Monday.

The deal includes a team option for a third year.
Terms were not disclosed.

Mientkiewicz, who earned $1.75 million last season,
had asked for $3.6 million. The team proposed $2.5
million.

The two sides had been scheduled for an arbitration
hearing this week.

Mientkiewicz, who won a Gold Glove in 2001, batted
.300 with 38 doubles and 65 RBIs in 2003.

Feb. 16, 2004


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