Twins on verge of signing Gardenhire to extension

Oct 16, 2008 - 3:07 PM MINNEAPOLIS (Ticker) -- The Minnesota Twins are closing in on signing manager Ron Gardenhire to a contract extension, according to a published report Thursday.

The Minneapolis Star-Tribune reported that Gardenhire, whose current contract expires after the 2009 season, is expected to sign a deal for at least one more year. The club's annual organizational meetings start later this week in Fort Myers, Florida.

In seven seasons, Gardenhire has guided the Twins to four American League Central Division titles, compiling a 622-512 record over that span. His impressive resume comes despite the Twins working with limited financial resources.

After trading two-time Cy Young Award winner Johan Santana and losing center fielder Torii Hunter in free agency, the Twins went 88-75 this past season, losing a one-game playoff to the Chicago White Sox for the AL Central crown.