"The Twins organization is very aware of the rich tradition of the Rochester Red Wings", said Twins Vice President/General Manager Terry Ryan. "This is a high-profile organization with a tremendous reputation throughout baseball. After speaking with Naomi Silver, Gary Lardner and Dan Mason last week, we were convinced that the Twins and Red Wings are a perfect fit. The entire Twins organization is honored to be affiliated with the Rochester Red Wings, and we look forward to building this relationship for many years to come"

The agreement with Rochester brings to an end a successful two-year working agreement with the Edmonton Trappers, during which time the Trappers won the 2002 Pacific Coast League Championship and sent over a dozen players to the major leagues. They finished the 2002 season with an 81-59 record, finishing in first place in their division for the third time in the last four years, the 12th time in that last 13 seasons that the Twins' Triple-A affiliate has finished with a winning record.

"The Twins organization would like to thank the Edmonton Trappers organization and their fans for their outstanding support during the two very enjoyable years that we spent there", Twins Baseball Operations Director Rob Antony said.

The agreement with Rochester marks a return to the International League for the Twins, the first time that they have been in the International League since they were affiliated with the Toledo Mud Hens in 1986. In nine years with Toledo in the International League from 1978-86, the Mud Hens went 602-652 (.480), making three playoff appearances and producing future Twins such as Baseball Hall of Famer Kirby Puckett and 1988 American League Cy Young Award winner and 1987 World Series MVP Frank Viola.

"We are elated to enter into this partnership with the Red Wings. The Rochester club is a family oriented organization, very much like the Twins. We have similar philosophies about player development, and Rochester offers our players every opportunity to compete in an excellent facility and live in a great community", said Twins Director of Minor Leagues Jim Rantz.

In addition to their new agreement in Rochester, the Twins also announced today that they have renewed their contract with the Quad City River Bandits (Class A, Midwest League) through the 2004 season. The agreement continues the Twins' relationship with the River Bandits, which began in 1999. In the four years that the Twins have been affiliated with the River Bandits, the River Bandits have posted an overall record of 292-259 (.530), competing in the Midwest League playoffs in each of the last two seasons.

"The Twins are pleased to renew our deal with the River Bandits. Our players and staff enjoy the city, the community and the fans that come to watch the players perform and we hope to continue this relationship for many years to come", Twins Director of Minor Leagues Jim Rantz said.

Over the four years of their affiliation with the Twins, the River Bandits have had five players who have gone on to play with the Twins, including current Twins Bobby Kielty, Juan Rincon, Kevin Frederick and Michael Restovich.