With the Minnesota Twins‘ struggles to the tune of an American League-worst record of 33-58, general manager Terry Ryan was relieved of his duties Monday.
According to a press release issued by the organization, assistant general manager Rob Antony will replace Ryan on an interim basis. Twins owner and CEO Jim Pohlad had the following to say regarding Ryan’s service:
Since joining our organization as a player in 1972, Terry has been a dedicated, loyal and respected member of the Minnesota Twins family. Terry has been a gifted leader of the baseball department for over eighteen seasons. It is impossible to overstate his contribution to our game, our team and the Upper Midwest baseball community. The decision to part ways with Terry was difficult, painful and not obvious.
Ryan also commented on his departure:
While disappointed we were unable to bring Minnesota a third world championship, I leave the GM post with immense pride in being part of the Twins organization for the better part of three decades. I’m grateful for the leadership opportunities provided by the Pohlad family; the collaboration and talents of my colleagues in the front office; the hard work and dedication of our manager, coaches and clubhouse personnel; the commitment and professionalism of our players; the passion and attention to detail of our minor league staff and scouts; and most importantly, the incredible support of our fans.
The 62-year-old Ryan has been part of the Twins front office since 1986, serving as general manager from 1994 through 2007 and again from 2011 until his dismissal Monday.
Jon Morosi of MLB Network reported the Twins “are expected to consider candidates [to replace Ryan] in the coming weeks.”
As Bleacher Report’s Scott Miller pointed out, the Twins have had little turnover at the GM post over the past three decades:
Ryan’s tenure as general manager experienced plenty of ups and downs. The Twins reached the playoffs in four of five seasons from 2002 through 2006, including a trip to the American League Championship Series in 2002.
Since Ryan reclaimed the GM title in 2011, however, Minnesota has just one winning season and no postseason appearances.
Progress was expected of the Twins in 2016 after they went a surprising 83-79 in 2015, but the drop-off has been significant. However, manager Paul Molitor told reporters Monday he was informed he would remain in the dugout for the rest of the season, saying, “I’m grateful because I want to keep doing it.”
Struggles in the starting rotation, the failure of highly touted outfielder Byron Buxton to find his footing at the major league level and injuries to several key players have factored into Minnesota’s fall to the basement.
The Twins have plenty of assets despite their poor season, and with the trade deadline just a couple of weeks away, Antony has a chance to make his mark on the franchise instantly and prove that Minnesota is working toward a new era.
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