TWINS HUNKER DOWN WITH MSFC EXECS TO DISCUSS LEASE EXIT

          Two Twins execs, two officials of the Metropolitan
     Sports Facilities Commission (MSFC) and a retired judge will
     meet today "to argue whether the team can legally end its
     30-year Metrodome lease," according to Patrick Sweeney of
     the ST. PAUL PIONEER PRESS.  The mediation effort could be a
     prelude to a "lengthy court fight, or it could lead to a
     compromise renegotiation of the lease that might keep the
     Twins in Minnesota for a short time -- perhaps another one
     to five years."  MSFC Chair Henry Savelkoul said that "a
     renegotiated lease is one option likely to be discussed in
     the private mediation session."  MSFC member Loanne Thrane:
     "I think we'll get through the mediation and probably
     nothing will be resolved, and we'll sue."  Roger Magnuson, a
     Twins attorney, "predicted the mediation will last no longer
     than a day."  He "refused to speculate" on the possibility
     of a compromise, saying the "only issue" is whether the team
     may legally end the lease (ST. PAUL PIONEER PRESS, 3/3).