Column in the Star Tribune - April 4, 2007

Jim Pohlad officially takes on more duties

This year, for the first time, the son of Twins owner Carl Pohlad is being listed as the chief executive officer for Twins Sports Inc.

By Sid Hartman, Star Tribune
Last update: April 04, 2007 – 10:10 PM

Jim Pohlad, son of Carl Pohlad, is officially the chief executive officer of Twins Sports Inc., the corporation that controls the Twins and other things owned by baseball team.

This year, for the first time, Jim Pohlad is listed in the 2007 Twins media guide as CEO of Twins Sports Inc. He was not listed as such in previous years.

Carl Pohlad is again listed this year as chairman of Twins Sports Inc. and owner of the Twins, and Jerry Bell again is Twins Sports Inc. president. Bell is working full-time on the new Twins stadium.

Asked about the change, Bell said Jim Pohlad has been in this position for some time.

You can be sure that Carl still has a voice in the operation, but the chief operating officer is Jim.

While the Twins media guide has always offered a biography on Carl Pohlad on Bell, there continues to be none on Jim, who is a very low-key executive.

Meanwhile, Twins President Dave St. Peter said that he and Bell have been in the process of negotiating a 30-year lease with Minnesota Ballpark Authority for the new stadium. And St. Peter said that once the lease is completed, they will sign a new lease with the Metrodome for the balance of the time before the new stadium is built.

Not only are the Pohlads going to pay the difference between the $13.35 million Hennepin County has offered for the land and the final price determined by condemnation, but apparently they also are contributing to the funds needed to move the Burlington Northern railroad tracks adjacent to the new stadium.

As of now, unless something unusual develops, the Hennepin County commissioners are expected to OK all aspects of the new deal with the Twins, and work can start shortly on construction so it will be completed in time for the 2010 season.