Twins’ Pohlad Says Family Will Move, Sell Since Legislature Dragged Feet, Owner Ready To Look At Options

Angered that the Minnesota Legislature took no action on their stadium proposal during this year’s regular session, the Minnesota Twins reiterated Tuesday that they will ask for permission to sell or move the team.

The club hopes to get that approval at the June 10-12 owners meetings in Philadelphia and immediately would begin taking offers.

“We set out to get an answer from the people of Minnesota. We were told that answer was to be given through the Legislature,” said Bob Pohlad, son of Twins owner Carl Pohlad. “The close of the session gives us that answer. They didn’t do anything.

“So fine. That’s where we find ourselves now. We’ll go on from here. We’ll explore the other options. What else is reasonable to expect us to do?”

Carl Pohlad spoke publicly on the subject Tuesday for the first time since January, when the Twins made their first proposal to help pay for the stadium. Joined at a Metrodome news conference by sons Bob and Jim along with team president Jerry Bell, Pohlad said the team’s previous offer no longer stands.

The Twins had proposed paying $15 million and giving the state 49 percent ownership of the team to help pay for a new stadium expected to cost more than $400 million.

The Twins outlined four options they will pursue if they get clearance from baseball’s Executive Council and the American League:

Selling the team, either locally or out of state.

Moving the team. Monterrey, Mexico, and Las Vegas would be among the most likely destinations.

Sharing the team with another market, similar to the Green Bay Packers’ former relationship with Milwaukee.

Operating the team strictly within current revenues. Since the Twins say they have lost $29 million the last three years and expect to continue losing money this season and beyond if they stay in the Metrodome, this option essentially means they would allow the team to languish.

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