Coaches to shift as Molitor heads to HOF induction

MINNEAPOLIS -- Twins coach Paul Molitor is heading to the National Baseball Hall of Fame induction in Cooperstown, N.Y. this weekend, and will be replaced on the staff by Minor League instructor Sam Perlozzo.

Molitor, who was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2004, has been coaching first base recently, as third-base coach Joe Vavra has been sidelined with a torn labrum in his left hip, so first-base coach Scott Ullger has moved over to third base.

Perlozzo, who served as manager of the Orioles from 2005-07, will serve as first-base coach from Friday to Sunday in Molitor's absence.

"I've known Sammy for a long time," Twins manager Ron Gardenhire said. "He was my roommate and my manager while in the Mets system."

Gardenhire added that Vavra, who was diagnosed with his hip injury over the All-Star break, is still deciding whether or not to undergo surgery. But Vavra isn't expected to coach third base again this season either way.

"Scotty is probably going to be over there the rest of the season," Gardenhire said. "I don't think we'll put Joe back out there."