Twins hire Cuddyer, Hawkins, Hunter as special assistants

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) The Minnesota Twins are bringing more of the band back together.

Former players Michael Cuddyer, LaTroy Hawkins and Torii Hunter have all been hired as special assistants to the baseball operations department. The appointments were announced Monday, reuniting three members of the team's first two AL Central titles in 2002-03. Cuddyer, Hawkins and Hunter were all drafted by the Twins and played a combined 32 seasons for the club before scattering around the majors. They each retired after the 2015 season.

Their responsibilities will include player development, spring training instruction, minor league affiliate visits, scouting and charitable work in the community among other roles.

Another player on those 2002-03 teams, closer Eddie Guardado, has served as the bullpen coach for the past two seasons.