Steinbach, Nixon To Leave Twins

The Minnesota Twins said Friday they will not pick up options on catcher Terry Steinbach and outfielder Otis Nixon for the 1999 season.

Steinbach was to be paid $2.25 million next year. Nixon's 1999 salary wasn't immediately available, but he was paid $2 million in 1998.

The Twins' payroll was $26 million in 1998, one of the lowest in the majors. But the team faces uncertain ownership and a stadium situation that could jeopardize its future in the Twin Cities.

Steinbach, 36, hit .242 with 14 home runs and 54 RBI this season. Nixon, 39, hit .297 and was 37 for 44 in stolen-base attempts.

Both players now are eligible to file for free agency in the next two weeks.

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