Reed comes to terms with Twins

By Travis Brown
STAR STAFF

   Previous rumors of a new addition here in Elizabethton have been confirmed, as of Friday Jeff Reed, former major leaguer and local baseball activist, will be on the sidelines next season for the E-Twins.
   According to sources inside the Twins' organization, Reed has been contracted to coach next season in the Minnesota minor league program, and will be an addition to the Elizabethton Twins already formidable bench.
   Along with manager Rudy Hernandez, Reed will be called upon to groom rookie talent for usage at the next level, a task that the Twins feel Reed is tailor-made for.
   Steve Little, spokesman and Field Coordinator for the Twins front office, is excited to have the former catcher on board, "We're awfully excited about Jeff Reed coming on board," said Little "A man of his experience can definitely help our rookie athletes."
   As for his role in the program, Little had some insight as well, "Our minor league coaches are asked to wear many hats, from hitting coach to working with catchers," said Little "Jeff will be no different, he will help our program in many ways."
   As for Reed himself, he seems excited about the upcoming season with the Twins, "This is the job that I wanted," said Reed "I'm pumped up about it, I want to help any way I can."
   This job will fit in well with Reed's lifestyle, and it will not require him to move considering that he lives right here in Elizabethton. After his retirement from the majors, Reed has been busy in the local little league program here in Elizabethton.
   Along with a crop of local volunteers, Reed helped to create a fall instructional league in which youngsters can gain valuable playing time, while being instructed in the fundamentals of the game.
   The adjustment from coaching youngsters to rookie leaguers will should not come as a problem for Reed, he is still a little unclear of his role with the Twins however, " Right now they are not sure what I'll be doing, They want me on the field, so we'll see how it goes."
   Next season is shaping up well for the Twins as this season saw them fall short of the championship by a mere game, perhaps with the added guidance of Reed, next season may have added promise.