If you were the Owner of the Twins for One Day ....

[gunnarthor]

And if they aren't?

Depends on why they aren't. Do you think some other GM can fix the team faster?

[Mike Sixel]

I think some other GM (the one I'd hire) would have signed at least one legit, big time, FA last year, and the year before. That would make them closer than they are now, probably. I think the GM I'd hire would have not signed Nolasco, given he is more of an innings eater/mediocre guy, than an upside guy, which is what I'd look for. So, I guess yes, I do think a different GM with a different approach could have this team closer faster. Not with certainty, but with some odds in their favor, yes.

[Mike Sixel]

btw, I've been corrected, Worley was sold for no reason other than they gave up on him, not to clear room on the 40 man for three guys that have no place on a rebuilding team.

[Kelly Vance]

The question should have been asked long ago, when Terry Francona was looking for a job, or Mike Redmond.

 

Now I would fire the GM and Gardy and Andy, and promote Mike Cuelar as PC and Molitor as mgr. As for GM, I'd find a talented mid level guy that deserves a shot.

[clutterheart]

#1 - Repay the state for ripping off the taxpayers

#2 - Immediately hire more Spanish Speaking coaches and a full time interpreter for the big league club

#3 - Politely ask Gardy to retire and fade into the sunset

#4 Tab Gene Glynn as his replacement

 

But then I would do the one and only thing that will bring this club back to respectability:

 

Bring Back the Mother F-ing Trees!!!

[Otto von Ballpark]

If you could be the owner of the Twins for one day

 

Pretty sure I would name myself manager, "Little Big League" style. And make the next owner-for-the-day fire ME!

 

Oh, and I'd grant myself infinite wishes.

[diehardtwinsfan]

One day to make the change? I'd probably send Gardy/Anderson their walking papers. As for Ryan, I'm convinced that for purposes of rebuilding, he's the guy, and the rebuild is almost done. From that aspect, I still think he's the right man for the job for another year or so... Not so certain after that. I agree with JB in that letting him go as a special advisor to someone outside the org makes a ton of sense. That said, I'm not sure Epstein or Beane are available, and those are the guys I'd want.

[GoGonzoJournal]

I would fire Gardy and hire Ozzie Guillen, and I've been saying it for years. Guillen has always admired the "Twins Way," and I think he could help develop the young Spanish-speaking talent (Sano, Escobar, Florimon, etc.). Ozzie also has a way of lighting fires under his players' asses and would provide some much-needed entertainment that's been absent from Gardy's postgame interviews.

 

I'd say Rick Anderson is less to blame for the failures of the front office. He hasn't had anything to work with since Santana left. Liriano was a wreck. Baker, Diamond, and Blackburn were flashes in the pan that got figured out. Worley was hurt. Now he has to put up with Nolasco's terrible fastball that gets hit harder and more often than any in the game. But Anderson has a knack for creating really good bullpen arms. Perkins, Theilbar, Duensing, even Burton was a surprising turnaround.

 

I'd also replace the entire training and medical staff. Too many injuries and too many players being diagnosed improperly or too late. Inexcusable.

[oldguy10]

Quite a few interesting ideas floated out there in this thread. However, the Pohlads are content to bring back the old gang of management year after year, we know who they are, don't we without naming them. And we also know they are simply not very adept at managing either. But until Jimmy and family decide to bring in some real baseball management types it will all continue, won't it?

[gunnarthor]

Quite a few interesting ideas floated out there in this thread. However, the Pohlads are content to bring back the old gang of management year after year, we know who they are, don't we without naming them. And we also know they are simply not very adept at managing either. But until Jimmy and family decide to bring in some real baseball management types it will all continue, won't it?

 

Let's see. The Pohlads fired the GM. New GM fired half the coaching staff. Installed a new farm director and expanded the sabremetrics work in the FO.

[JB_Iowa]

New GM fired half the coaching staff. Installed a new farm director and expanded the sabremetrics work in the FO.

 

Also known as scapegoated the probably the 3 least powerful members of the coaching staff -- leaving in place the ones with the biggest influence and role to play.

 

Installed a new farm director ONLY because Jim Rantz retired.

 

Expanded sabremetrics -- still don't know by how much.

 

It's not like any of these were sweeping or significant changes. Have we seen any great boost in performance since the 3 coaches were fired? Maybe you have. I haven't.

[Kwak]

Many posters have alluded to the "shared management philosophy" used by the Twins--yet apparently think this is the best way to operate--I don't! I assume that long term return on invested capital will remain and that no owner wants to be bashed constantly as organizational goals. There needs to be a focus on winning consistently but living on a realistic (but flexible budget)--"this ain't NY"! I fire DSP and have the new team president hire his own management team--GM, Scouting Director, Field Manager as well as all of the support functions (Marketing, etc). One Leader who holds everyone else accountable to meet the organizational goals. Interdepartmental "horsetrading" is out. If McPhail isn't interested, I would to someone from Miami or St. Louis to head things up.

[Bark's Lounge]

I am not sure what one could do in one day - probably not much, but screw things up.

 

Throwing away the "what I said yesterday" on the game thread - I will propose to you what I would do if I inherited the team. Let's call me Bark Pohlad.

 

First and foremost, at my crowning ceremony, I would make it a circus event. This will define my reign as owner of the Twins. I would wear a gimp outfit and electrify the media with my outspoken opinions and try to manipulate Twins Territory into buying the words I preach.

 

After this event, I would have a sit down with Mr. Ryan and figure out if we can be on the same page. I like Ryan, but he seems a bit conservative, I'd like to know if he can deal with the implications of my taking over ownership. If he can great, if not, I will move on.

 

If Ryan sticks, I will allocate the resources to hire John Mozeliak's right hand man to be Terry Ryan's right hand man with the prospects of him taking over in a year or two. I would also do a thorough analysis on other up and coming administrative baseball minds from different organizations and hire the individuals I deem fit to taking on this overtaking.

 

The whole coaching staff will be fired, except for Molitor. I, the owner will make Molitor the manager, This will have been agreed upon with Ryan and his new assistant in our initial meeting of the minds. In turn Molitor, Ryan, and the new Assistant GM will choose the coaching staff with me in observing.

 

In the spirit of Mark Cuban, I will continue, to make an ass out of myself to take the pressure off of the players and management until we get things solidified.

 

Fortunately or unfortunately, I will try my best to be the Bill Hicks of baseball ownership. It will cause some controversy, but in the end, the fans will appreciate what my contributions were.

 

I will not sign players to Robinson Cano contracts, but I am not adverse to signing players to Tanaka or Ellsbury contracts. They just need to make sense. I will not accept a makeshift splint on a severely broken leg. The team is one of two scenarios - 1. adding ammunition to win the war or - 2. Rebuilding. I am eliminating the gray areas.

 

As owner, I will bring Twins Territory a World Championship!

 

Hooyah!!!

[Craig Arko]

If I were owner of the Twins for a day?

 

"How much is this franchise worth? Tell you what, you can have it for a tenth of that. But we need to close pronto. And can you make that in cash? Thanks!"

[Thrylos]

In a heartbeat. And not Ryan only. These guys had 20 years to bring a title to Minnesota and did not. I'd also get rid of St. Peter. Who would I hire? Andy MacPhail in St. Peter's position and have him hire his own people...

[curt1965]

Why is everyone so gun ho on hiring Molitor? He's older than Gardy, and has no managerial experience or credibility. Sure, he was a HOFer, but so was Ted Wiliams, and he was a terrible manager. Give me a young guy, someone who is closer to understanding these new millionaires. Someone like ...... Mienkevich??-the Fort Meyers manager.(one requirement would be he'd have to change his name to Dougie M.)

[Bark's Lounge]

Why is everyone so gun ho on hiring Molitor? He's older than Gardy, and has no managerial experience or credibility. Sure, he was a HOFer, but so was Ted Wiliams, and he was a terrible manager. Give me a young guy, someone who is closer to understanding these new millionaires. Someone like ...... Mienkevich??-the Fort Meyers manager.(one requirement would be he'd have to change his name to Dougie M.)

 

Molitor made million(s) per season from 1986-1998.

[gunnarthor]

Why is everyone so gun ho on hiring Molitor?

 

Same reason every one wants the back up quarter back promoted.

[DocBauer]

Cool thread. Lots of opinions that are well stated. Lots of opinions that I completely respect!

 

And now, as someone has probably groaned, "here comes that long winded guy on his soapbox!" LOL But here goes!

 

Owner for a day...I fire nobody. I will, however, accept any resignations if necessary, though I'd probably like them effective at the end of the season.

 

I'm going to talk out of both sides of my mouth here, but with purpose.

 

I know this thread has it's roots in the Worley thread previously. So I have to start there. First, let's see what happens with Worley long term vs his sudden and limited good fortune. Second, the Twins worked with Worley at length, gave him multiple opportunities, he has allowed for work with the Twins, admitted to being out of shape, got hurt, blamed the wind, etc. Worley seemed like a solid addition initially, though let's be clear, May was the big acquisition in the deal. Sometimes, things just don't work out, no matter the team or player. If Anderson truly blew it on Worley, then the Yankees blowing it on Hughes should have someone tarred and feathered. Same with Pavano a few years ago. There have been pitchers the Twins have allowed to walk that had success elsewhere, AFTER having success here but the Twins couldn't afford to keep. (Mostly pre-Target field) But other than Lohse, there really isn't anyone who's career got better after leaving. And even he took a couple teams and years to get there. Starters and relievers, the Twins have had luck finding and working with other teams's cast offs themselves. So to say Anderson should be fired because Worley suddenly found something is, to me, irresponsible.

 

I am not absolving Anderson of making mistakes here and there, or Gardy, or Ryan. And I am not blindly defending anyone, or stubbornly refusing the idea of any changes. But I think perspective has to be maintained amidst the loud voice of frustration. Have I always agreed with Gardy, or Anderson, on everything? No. But again, some perspective. From Gardy's and Anderson's first year in charge, 2002, through 2010, they, and their staff, lead the Twins through EIGHT winning seasons and ONE losing season. They finished in FIRST SIX TIMES, second once, and third twice, which includes that single losing season. They averaged 89 wins per season during that 9 year run. I didn't take the time to research the history if the Minnesota Twins, but I believe that run has to be the best in the history of the franchise or pretty close. Ryan was also the head man for this run. Now, reflect a moment on the 2010 season in which we finished 1st with 94 wins. Other than the awful, nightmarish Nishioka experiment, and Hudson also gone along with Hardy, the only real changes on that team was a partial rebuild of the bullpen where Rauch, Crain and Guerrier were replaced. Now, it could be argued those 5 players made a big difference in the begining of our past 3 year massive losing streak. And yet, the majority of that 1st place, 94 win team was back. Injuries played a HUGE part in the vastly disappointing 2011 season to be sure. And there were a couple, at least in retrospect, decisions that now seem highly questionable. But again, nobody saw the collapse of 2011 coming. Honestly, I almost give the Twins staff a wash on that year.

 

Ryan, he was the architect for that great 9 year run. Less we forget, in his early days, he made a few poor trades and questionable moves before seeming to "figure it out". Before Santana rule 5 draft/trade fleecing, (unknown at the time), and the AJ-P trade to the Giants for Bonser, Liriano and Nathan, there was the likes of Erickson to the Orioles for Klingenbeck. Ugh! I also don't blame Bill Smith for the past few seasons. He blew some things, true. But he did help oversee the re-birth of the minor league system. He might not be directly in charge of such things at the time, but his people were. And he did have responsibility for the finances to make some of the moves happen. And while some contract extensions he gave turned out to be mistakes, Nishioka was a nightmare, and the Young trade turned sour, he was applauded at the time for trying to think out of the box, keep talent at home, and for being aggressive bringing in one of the top ranked young hitters in all of baseball. Funny how accolades can turn to boos and bad remembrance so easily.

 

Again, perspective. Now, the past two seasons. And this is what I would sit down and speak at length with Ryan about, Gardy as well. There are no quick fixes, in any team sport. And everyone loves the taltalizing prospect of, well, prospects. But not all prospects turn out. Those that do also need time. Talent, need and want doesn't make a young prospect reach a level of success sooner. (Generally at least) But I would voice real concerns about letting Cuddyer go, for his production as well as leadership and experience. I would question the yo-yo-ing of a couple prospects. And I would question, with huge respect to the work he's done in the past, as to whether he can adapt to the new financial world of the Twins in Target field. In other words, I don't want him being irresponsible with money, we will NEVER be the Yankees, Dodgers, Red Sox, Angels, etc. But we are also no longer the little Metrodome team who could. And I'd want some serious answers as to the botching of CF the past two seasons as well as an almost botching of SS, which seems to have been rescued.

 

For those who slam the Twins seeming "good old boy network", I'd say cool your jets. Ryan, highly respected and competent, at the very least until recently, and Gardy/Anderson, and the majority of Twins coaches, are part of that network. And it was these men, and other front office staff, that brought us that outstanding nine year run, a new stadium that is debatedly the best in baseball, one of the best milb systems in all of baseball, strong affiliations, and one of the best ST-milb complexes in all of baseball. A couple former Twins have found quality success at the ML and milb level as managers and coaches, and we may have a pair of future ML managers in our system now as well.

 

All of this being said, I am NOT OPPOSED to change. I'd want Ryan's answers to my questions, and then I'd want to know how he feels overall physically, mentally and emotionally, what his plans and thoughts are, and how long he wants to do this. Despite quality people doing things the "Twins Way", I'd like to bring in an assistant, possible successor, from outside the organization to provide new blood, new ideas, and a different perspective. I'd like to think Oakland, Tampa and St Louis might have a quality candidate for this role. Next, while I have tremendous respect for both Vavra and Ullger, who are not only good company men, but have a proven track record of being good and successful baseball men as coaches and managers, I would see one of them re-assigned elsewhere in the organization to bring in a quality Latin coach to better relate and work with the young Latin players currently on the roster, and on their way up.

 

And in the last few hours of my one day ownership, before midnight when my limo turned in to a Kia...err...a pumpkin, I'd want to know two very important things. 1) Whether by trade or just walking away at the end of this season, what are your honest thoughts/plans to address CF, LF, DH and Set-up next season, since those seem to be the biggest potential holes, and...2) How do you honestly project the young players knocking on the door for the rotation, bullpen, and to a somewhat lesser extent, the lineup for the rest of the season projecting to next season. Now...if I don't hear some solid, well thought out answers, I might encourage those season ending resignations.

[Guest USAFChief]

This organization needs fresh perspective, an infusion of openmindedness regarding new ways of using data, and relief from the expectation of losing which has seeped deep into the bones of everyone from the front office, through the manager, and onto the field.

 

I was happy to see Ryan come back on an interim basis. But you don't go forward by looking backward. I'd be looking for a new GM from outside the organization, a young, enthusiastic, up and comer, and I'd tell him his first order of business is to hire a new field staff.

[howeda7]

In a heartbeat. And not Ryan only. These guys had 20 years to bring a title to Minnesota and did not. I'd also get rid of St. Peter. Who would I hire? Andy MacPhail in St. Peter's position and have him hire his own people...

 

So, we fired Bill Smith and hired his old boss. That's not working out, so we're going to fire him and hire his old boss? McPhail will always have '87 and '91, but he had a lot of issues since he left 20 years ago, and he's no spring chicken anymore. If we're actually going to clean house after 28 years, it can't be to bring back more of the old gang.

[Richie the Rally Goat]

I don't share the belief that it is acceptable to win less than 72 games a year three or more years in a row, I don't believe the cycle should be that deep/bad. Others can have different expectations of course.

 

How long would you give them to be good again?

Or at the very least, in year 2 raise your white flag in defeat and have the fire sale. Don't just cling to the past with your Kubel's, Bartlett's, Anderson's, and Gardenhire's, actually separate the wheat from the chaff and make real changes. That's what the best management does, it leads the way through the murky waters of change. Change is inevitable, change is good, if the GM isn't in front of the change, then the change happens without him/her.

 

If it takes 5 years for a rebuild, so be it, but own up to the fact that the team being a product of Ryan/Smith got them to a very good stretch in 01-10, but also got 4 years and counting of horrendous baseball. Own it, and move on from it, change and grow from it, or step out of the way.

[TheLeviathan]

Same reason every one wants the back up quarter back promoted.

 

I'd like Molitor because he seems to embrace newer ideas in how to manage - like using shifts as an example. I also believe he'd open up more running on this team. Under Gardenhire - even when we've had speed - we've played like a station to station team.

 

I would imagine many others have valid reasons for liking him separate of their dislike for Gardy's continued employment.

[Kwak]

The Twins need a field manager on the same page as the entire front office (who also need to be on the same page!). Gardenhire is wont to remind everyone about the past success of the team (and by inference, due to him!) and leverages concessions. This entire season is one of those concessions--"...guys who have won before...". The AS break will provide ample time for reflection and hopefully plan a new course--and with a new skipper. Gardenhire can walk the plank.

[Guest USAFChief]

Same reason every one wants the back up quarter back promoted.

 

Nobody wants the backup quarterback promoted unless the starter is throwing too many incompletions and picks.

[tobi0040]

This organization needs fresh perspective, an infusion of openmindedness regarding new ways of using data, and relief from the expectation of losing which has seeped deep into the bones of everyone from the front office, through the manager, and onto the field..

 

I totally agree here. We are behind the curve on Sabermetrics and platooning, to name a few. I don't think Gardy would ever be open-minded about these things. He goes off his feel, his love for veterans and guys that were good for him 6-7 years prior, and who things that can't be quantified like "busting his tail off" and "flipping it good".

 

In order to close the gap, I would like to see some new thinking and some new blood plucked from organizations that are on the cutting edge.

[tobi0040]

The Twins need a field manager on the same page as the entire front office (who also need to be on the same page!). Gardenhire is wont to remind everyone about the past success of the team (and by inference, due to him!) and leverages concessions. This entire season is one of those concessions--"...guys who have won before...". The AS break will provide ample time for reflection and hopefully plan a new course--and with a new skipper. Gardenhire can walk the plank.

 

Coordination is key. The FO needs to set a vision like Theo has set in Chicago. It was noted on this site that we have a similar farm system and record over the last few years as Chicago. While true, their manager knows and is managing towards 2015 and 2016. Our manager thinks Danny Santana (CF), Yohan Pino, Matt Guerrier, Escobar, Parmelee, and Colabello are leading us to the world series this year.

 

If anything, an identical record with veterans playing over rookies is proof they are doing it better than we are.

[Oldgoat_MN]

I would relieve TR of the GM role with a great deal of thanks and perhaps a role in the organization.

 

I would hire a GM who sat Gardy down and explained that, while loyalty is a good thing, his loyalty to Anderson and Vavra sadly exceeds his loyalty to the Pohlad family and the Twins fans, and that is not acceptable.

 

The new GM would have the flexibility to keep Gardy if he/she chose, but would have Gardy on a relatively short leash.

 

I don't want blind loyalty, but I don't want the Twins to fire people just to fire someone, either.

[SheboyganBrats]

If I were the owner for one day... (oh boy, would this be fun!)

 

1) I would hire an architect to reconfigure the gates to the ballpark so that practically all the fans aren't coming in and going out of Gates 34 and 29. What a mess.

 

2) Hopefully, the architect can reconfigure and rebuild the bleachers in center/right so that fans who buy tickets can actually see the whole ballfield.

 

3) I'd get rid of that Delta360 Legends Club. I'd tell the architect that we put a concourse on the 2nd level so that people can walk from right field to left field without having to use the 1st level, not so we could have a giant skybox for the well-heeled.

 

4) If a family want to come to the ballpark to enjoy the game, kids get in free, accompanied by their folks. Nobody has to take out a loan anymore to bring the whole family.

 

5) I'd dedicate part of team revenue to lowering concession prices to affordable levels for regular folks.

 

6) I'd ask Mike Veeck if he'd be interested in becoming team president.

 

7) Maybe I'd try to do something about the product on the field as well.

 

Yeah, I'm just having a little fun here, but some of it might actually be worth doing.