Griffith’s group wants to purchase Twins

St. Paul, Minn. Clark Griffith is working toward submitting a bid to buy the Minnesota Twins, the team his father sold to banker Carl Pohlad.

Griffith, a Minneapolis lawyer, said he is trying to assemble an ownership group in his third attempt to purchase the team since 1995. Griffith’s late father, Calvin, sold the Twins to Pohlad in 1984.

Griffith’s bid would not be dependent on legislative action related to a new ballpark, he said. Griffith said Monday he doesn’t believe the Twins will be eliminated through baseball’s proposed contraction plan and that a new owner would have more time to put together a ballpark deal than many people think.

The Twins have encouraged the idea that the team likely will be eliminated by major league baseball if they cannot win approval for a new stadium this year.

Dave St. Peter, the Twins’ senior vice president for business affairs, said officials would welcome a bid from Griffith, but disagree with him on the urgency of a successful ballpark bill this year.

Griffith, a Twins executive from 1966 until the mid-’80s, said he and three partners are working on the bid. He said he believes the team is worth $120 million without a new ballpark.

Forbes magazine values the team’s worth at $127 million. Alabama businessman Donald Watkins in February offered a bid between $125 million to $150 million, pending a look at the Twins’ books, but the team contended he didn’t have the money to follow through.

Ramirez placed on DL

Boston Manny Ramirez was placed on the 15-day disabled list by Boston on Tuesday with a broken left index finger. Ramirez, the AL batting leader, is expected to be out at least four weeks. The Red Sox called up infielder Bryant Nelson from Pawtucket. Nelson, 28, hit .319 in 33 games.

New campaign to back Rose’s bid for Hall

Beverly Hills, Calif. Pete Rose has a new backer in his bid to reach the Hall of Fame. His latest sponsor is taking up his cause. Ads in magazines and on billboards featuring Rose and displaying the phrase, “Why isn’t Pete Rose in the Hall of Fame?” will soon appear, said David Schulte, president of Pony brands.

The athletic shoe company will run a three-month campaign. Rose was banned from major league baseball for life in 1989 for his gambling activities and isn’t eligible for the Hall of Fame until he is reinstated.

Tigers activate Young

Detroit Dmitri Young was activated from the 15-day disabled list by Detroit on Tuesday after he recovered from a hernia that kept the first baseman out of the lineup since April 18. Young is batting .296 in 14 games.

Alvarez pitches four innings in extended spring training

St. Petersburg, Fla. Tampa Bay pitcher Wilson Alvarez allowed two runs in four innings in an extended spring training intrasquad game Tuesday. Alvarez has been on the 15-day disabled list with a right rib strain since April 15.

The left-hander hopes to rejoin the team after a making another extended spring start Monday.

Pettitte throws off mound

Tampa, Fla. New York Yankees left-hander Andy Pettitte threw off a bullpen mound Tuesday for the first time since late last month. Pettitte said he will work off a mound again on Thursday. He will likely throw batting practice before making his first rehab start. Pettitte has experienced elbow problems since his first spring training appearance March 3. He made three starts for the Yankees before going on the DL on April 21.