MINNEAPOLIS - Ron Gardenhire, who led the Twins to the AL Central title in both his seasons, received a two-year contract Thursday.
Gardenhire, who joined the Twins staff as a third-base coach in 1991, replaced Tom Kelly as manager when Kelly retired after the 2001 season.
"Everyone's been real good to me here," Gardenhire said. "That's a wonderful thing."
His original deal called for a team option at $500,000 next year. After getting approval from owner Carl Pohlad, general manager Terry Ryan replaced that contract with one that will start in 2004. Terms weren't revealed, but Gardenhire said he's getting a healthy raise.
"They've treated me as good as you can be treated," he said.
In Gardenhire's first season the Twins won 94 games and beat Oakland in the first round of the playoffs before losing to Anaheim in the AL Championship Series.
This season, after struggling through the first half, the Twins went a major-league-best 46-23 after the All-Star break and overtook Chicago and Kansas City in the division race. They were eliminated in the first round of the playoffs by the Yankees on Sunday.
ASTROS: Outfielder Jason Lane had a hernia repaired and should be ready for spring training.
INDIANS: Left-hander Cliff Lee had a hernia repaired and is expected to be ready for spring training.
PHILLIES: Rookie centerfielder Marlon Byrd had shoulder surgery and should be ready for spring training.
