Twins counting on new coaches to help turnaround

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) - After their second straight last-place finish, the Minnesota Twins shook up their coaching staff.

Manager Ron Gardenhire has returned in the final year of his current contract, but only pitching coach Rick Anderson is back in the same role as before. The Twins are counting on some fresh perspective and insight from the new assistants to help spark a turnaround from consecutive seasons of 99 and 96 losses.

Two former players will have important jobs. Bench coach Terry Steinbach, a Minnesota native who finished his career with the Twins in 1999, will work closely with the catchers. Hitting coach Tom Brunansky, a member of the 1987 World Series championship team, will continue the relationships he's made with some of the younger players in the minor leagues the last few years.