Twins ink Ron Gardenhire to two-year extension

Not a bad day for Minnesota Twins manager Ron Gardenhire.

On Wednesday afternoon, the skipper earned American League Manager of the Year accolades for the first time in his managerial career.

On Wednesday evening, according to a league source, the team signed Gardenhire and his entire coaching staff to a two-year extension. Gardenhire is now locked up through 2013, and the coaching staff is locked up through 2012.

In his nine years as manager, Gardenhire has won at least 90 games five times. He has only finished under .500 once.

Phil Mackey is a columnist for 1500ESPN.com. He co-hosts "Reusse & Mackey" weekdays from 4 to 6pm on 1500 ESPN Twin Cities.
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