Gov. Ventura Approves Stadium Deal for Twins

Minnesota’s fight to save the Twins got a big boost Wednesday when Gov. Jesse Ventura approved a financing framework for a $330-million ballpark.

It caps a seven-year effort by the Twins to secure help from the state for an open-air, natural-grass stadium. But the plan has only lukewarm support from the Twins.

“This bill is a huge, huge step, there’s no question,” said Jim Pohlad, the eldest son of owner Carl Pohlad, who is trying to sell the team. But with the team’s ownership up in the air, Jim Pohlad said the family isn’t ready to celebrate.

Twins’ officials are unsure they’ll be able to find $120 million for a required down payment.

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Oakland traded outfielder Jeremy Giambi to the Philadelphia Phillies for utility man John Mabry.

Giambi, the younger brother of Yankee first baseman Jason Giambi, was batting .274 with eight home runs and 17 RBIs in 42 games.

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Two former Cleveland State basketball players were charged in the armed robbery of Cleveland pitcher C.C. Sabathia.

Damon Stringer and Jamaal Harris were being held in the city jail after their arrests.