NationsBank called reports that it has made an offer to
assist in the sale of the Twins to an NC ownership group
"rumor and speculation," according to Jay Weiner of the
Minneapolis STAR TRIBUNE. Company spokesperson Todd
Rubenson said NationsBank would have no further comment on
the report (STAR TRIBUNE, 9/9). While saying that company
Chair Hugh McColl "remains supportive of the effort" to
bring MLB to the Triad, Rubenson added, "What's been
reported is purely speculative, and we refuse to comment on
it" (Justin Catanoso, Greensboro NEWS & RECORD, 9/9).
FROM CHARLOTTE: In Charlotte, Bonnell & Rhee report
that Pohlad has said that "he has spoken to unnamed
officials" in Charlotte, Las Vegas and Northern VA about the
team, but that "no move or sale is close." Pohlad has also
"consulted" with AL President Dr. Gene Budig about
Charlotte's viability. AL VP Phyllis Merhige: "I don't
think Dr. Budig was surprised at all by what was in the
papers this weekend" (CHARLOTTE OBSERVER, 9/9).
GETTING TO KNOW YOU: In St. Paul, Jim Caple writes that
an "interesting group" sat together during last night's A's-
Twins game: St. Paul Saints Owner Mike Veeck; NHL St. Paul
expansion team Owner Bob Naegele; Clark Griffith, who has
expressed interest in buying the Twins; Jac Sperling, who
spearheaded the NHL deal; and former West Publishing CEO
Vance Opperman. Caple: "Is the group poised to buy a
baseball team?" Griffith: "We're just getting to know each
other." Opperman: "I've always said it would be an honor to
be part of a group that would keep the Twins in Minnesota.
The operative words are 'part of a group' and 'keep the
Twins in Minnesota'" (ST. PAUL PIONEER PRESS, 9/9). The
announced attendance of 9,363 at the Metrodome for Monday's
game was the smallest since September 25, 1995 (STAR
TRIBUNE, 9/9)....In Carolina, Don Beaver, who is looking to
bring an MLB team to the Triad area, declined comment on
whether he has spoken to Pohlad (STAR TRIBUNE, 9/9).
