KOSKIE UP FOR TWINS HALL OF FAME, MARTIN, STAIRS & CRAIN SIGN

MINNEAPOLIS-ST. PAUL, Minn. – The Minnesota Twins have announced that fans can vote for the 2011 Twins Hall of Fame class by visiting www.twinsbaseball.com/hof.

Established in 2000, the Twins Hall of Fame annually recognizes uniform personnel who have made significant contributions to the franchise and game of baseball across the Upper Midwest. The Twins Hall of Fame ballot features 18 former players and fans can vote for their favorite.

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MARTIN EXPECTS RETURN TO FORM AS REGULAR CATCHER

By Alden Gonzalez / MLB.com

Russell MartinNEW YORK — Jorge Posada’s days as the Yankees’ full-time catcher have passed him, and Jesus Montero’s haven’t arrived. So Russell Martin is now the new bridge in New York City.

Martin signed a one-year, $4 million contract to become the Yankees’ starting catcher on Thursday, becoming the low-risk, high-reward acquisition general manager Brian Cashman was looking for to address an uneasy situation behind the plate. The ultimate reward would be for Martin to feel completely healthy and somehow reacquire the skills that made him one of the best catchers in the National League just two years ago.

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NATS SIGN STAIRS TO MINOR LEAGUE DEAL

By Bill Ladson / MLB.com

Matt StairsWASHINGTON — The Nationals agreed to terms with outfielder/first baseman Matt Stairs on a non-guaranteed Minor League contract with an invitation to Spring Training.

This will be the veteran Stairs’ second stint with the organization. The Expos signed Stairs as an amateur free agent in 1989. He is looking to play his 19th season in the big leagues.

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CRAIN ACKNOWLEDGES DEAL WITH WHITE SOX

By Scott Merkin / MLB.com

Jesse CrainAs an introduction to Jesse Crain’s 10-minute interview Thursday on KFAN Sports Radio 1130 AM in Minneapolis, host Paul Allen put forth a sentiment many Twins fans already were thinking. “Jesse Crain has ventured to the dark side,” Allen said. White Sox supporters clearly disagree with Allen’s assessment.

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