In 1969 Minnesota Twins capture the division title under the stormy leadership of first-year manager Billy Martin. Killebrew provide the offensive power and won the AL most precious player (MVP) award. Rod Carew captured the first of his seven batting titles, Oliva led the AL in hits and doubles, and pitchers Dave Boswell and Jim Perry each won 20 games. In spite of solid hitting and pitching by the Twins, the Baltimore Orioles swept the AL Championship Series (ALCS). Minnesota Twins returned to the playoffs in 1970 behind Perry, whose 24-12 win-loss record earned him the Cy Young Award, but the Minnesota Twins were once again swept in the ALCS by the Orioles.

Minnesota ’s third base coach, Tom Kelly, came manager in 1986 and turned the Twins into World Series champions in 1987. Outfielders Tom Brunansky and Kirby Puckett, first baseman Kent Hrbek, and third baseman Gary Gaetti each strike at least 28 home runs that year, while Frank Viola, Bert Blyleven, and reliever Jeff Reardon led a strong pitching staff. Minnesota Twins upset the Detroit Tigers in the ALCS and went on to defeat the St. Louis Cardinals in the World Series. Kelly was named AL manager of the year.

Although Minnesota Twins finished last in 1990, pitchers Scott Erickson and Jack Morris helped turn the team around in 1991, captivating the Twins to another AL pennant. Kelly again earned top managing honors as Minnesota Twins defeated the Atlanta Braves in the 1991 World Series. Though, the Twins struggled during most of the remainder of the 1990s.

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Twins surge past stumbling Indians 9-6 (AP)

Kevin Slowey walked off the mound and went straight for the computers set up in a cranny behind the dugout. Video of a five-run second inning provided visual evidence of what his brain, his pitching coach and his catcher were telling him about a rushed delivery. Problem solved, and the Minnesota Twins came back.

Small-market AL clubs keep rolling (AP) Move over, Yankees and Red Sox. Out of the way, White Sox. A couple of small-market clubs are showing the big boys how to play. Edwin Jackson took a two-hitter into the eighth inning and Carlos Pena homered and drove in five runs Friday night, helping the AL East-leading Tampa Bay Rays beat the Kansas City Royals 11-2 for their fifth straight victory.

Twins Team Report (Yahoo! Sports)

The wait, infielder Nick Punto admitted Friday, was long. It had been 356 at-bats since Punto had sent a ball out of the park when he connected with a Paul Byrd fastball Friday for his first home run since June 6, 2007.

"That was nice. It's been awhile," Punto said. "Someone told me it was 356 at-bats. That's a long time, but it felt good, got some good wood on it."

Punto felt good, apparently, for the rest of the game. He added a three-run double in the eighth to bring his RBI total for the night to four. For the infielder, his success at the plate was both satisfying and reassuring.

After batting .210 last season, Punto lost his job as Minnesota's everyday third baseman.

Red Sox All-Stars set to take over Yankee Stadium (AP) So long, Yankee Stadium. Get ready for an All-Star salute featuring the rival Boston Red Sox. That's right. Manny Ramirez, Kevin Youkilis and Co. are set to take over The House That Ruth Built. At last check, four Boston players led fan voting at their positions for the July 15 game in New York -- and that doesn't even include manager Terry Francona or any of his pitchers.