Baseball

Judge frees Twins to move

By wire services
Published February 7, 2006

ST. PAUL, Minn. - The Twins don't have to play in the Metrodome beyond the 2006 season, a judge ruled Monday in a decision that could help the team pressure lawmakers to approve financing for a new ballpark.

Hennepin County District Judge Charles Porter sided with the Twins in a lawsuit against their public landlord. The ruling gives owner Carl Pohlad more power to move his team, although no city is publicly courting the Twins.

Porter ruled that the Twins' lease expired in 2003.

NATIONALS STADIUM: D.C. Council chair Linda W. Cropp plans to introduce legislation today to cap Washington's construction costs for a Nationals ballpark at $300-million as a provision to ensure that a stadium lease is approved.

The 13-member council failed to approve a lease by the Dec.31 deadline. The city and MLB reached a revised agreement that includes a $20-million contribution from baseball for stadium construction.

WORLD CLASSIC: Two players from each team will be tested for banned drugs after each game of the inaugural tournament. The International Baseball Federation also said it will have 80 players tested at random before the tournament, to be played from March 3-20.

DUI CASE DROPPED: Prosecutors in Tampa dropped drunken driving charges against Orioles reliever and Land O'Lakes resident Todd Williams, who was arrested after authorities said he caused a three-car crash in November.

BLUE JAYS: Gold Glove catcher Bengie Molina agreed on a one-year contract that guarantees him $5-million.

RED SOX: New centerfielder Coco Crisp avoided arbitration by agreeing to a $2.75-million, one-year contract. Boston also announced a $3-million deal with former Marlins shortstop Alex Gonzalez.

[Last modified February 7, 2006, 01:13:13]