Twins' Twins
Stan is the man with the plan. Stu powers up the pitchers. The Cliburn brothers ramp up Rochester's run to rule the International League North.

Jim Mandelaro
MLNSportsZone.com

Stan and Stu Cliburn are identical twins that work for the Rochester Red Wings, the Minnesota Twins Triple-A affiliate. Stan manages the club.  Stu is the pitching coach. 

Rochester has been in first place most of the season in the International League North, thanks in part to the Twins’ twins.

Stan was brought up to Triple-A to replace Rochester skipper Phil Roof.  Roof retired during the off-season.

The brothers had been the manager and pitching coach for the past five years at Double-A New Britain, Connecticut.

Stan’s managerial career began at Single-A Watertown in 1988. Along the way to Triple-A, his record as a skipper heading into 2006 was 1,046-1,017 (.507) with three championships.

Their carefree style has made them popular with the players.

Outfielder Kevin West was a free agent after hitting 20 homers for Rochester last year and told Twins farm director Jim Rantz he would re-sign if Stan were promoted.

“They're really laid back, and they love to have fun,’’ says Twins shortstop Jason Bartlett, who spent the first 2 ½ months in Rochester. “They're not going to be too strict, but they're not going to let you get out of control either.’’

“They have a passion for the game,’’ says Roof. “They eat, sleep and breathe baseball.’’

While they may look the same, they approach life, and the game, a bit differently.

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