Replacing Ron Gardenhire

[Paul Pleiss]

It's time to begin the discussion...

 

Who would you like to see take over managerial duties for the Twins?

 

Paul Molitor? Gene Glynn?

 

Someone from outside the organization completely?

 

Former Twins player? Dan Gladden (kidding)?

 

If Gardy can keep this team from completely tanking into August/September, something he hasn't been able to do the last 3 seasons, maybe he has an outside chance at finishing the 2nd year of his 2 year deal, but I think he's gone after this season (and with him my arch-nemesis, Rick Anderson - good riddance!).

 

Who's next for the Twins?

[diehardtwinsfan]

I'd be fine with Molitor or Glynn.  That said, I doubt it happens this offseason.

[Paul Pleiss]

What about Don Baylor who is currently the hitting coach for the Angels and was a member of the 87 WS team?

 

I don't know. But Ronald "Clyde" Gardenhire needs to go.

 

Hell, I'd even vote for Drew Butera to be a player coach for this team.

[The Wise One]

Gardenhire will go when Ryan determines he can no longer do the job. Considering the attrition of healthy bodies in the pitching rotation the last few seasons, I really doubt Gardenhire's September record recently means too much for a job evaluation.

[Squirrel]

Whether or not he needs to go isn't the question. It's whether or not he will. As long as Ryan is here, Gardy will be unless Gardy himself decides to go. As for who is next in line depends on who makes that decision. If Ryan is still the GM it'll be someone internal.

[iTwins]

I'm not typically on the "Fire Gardy" wagon, but even I've reached the point where I think he'll be gone (and needs to be gone). Not so much because this losing is his fault - but just because the team could use a new leader.

 

I'd vote for Molitor or Glynn - I think either could be a nice "new voice" (as new as we can ask for, anyway)for the organization.

[nicksaviking]

What about Don Baylor who is currently the hitting coach for the Angels and was a member of the 87 WS team?

 

I don't know. But Ronald "Clyde" Gardenhire needs to go.

 

Hell, I'd even vote for Drew Butera to be a player coach for this team.

 

As much as I like Molitor, I'd also like the Twins to go outside the organization just to prove they are willing to get away from the scholarship program.  While Baylor was a former Twins (breifly) he's certainly not an organizational guy.  Still, I think his time passed. 

 

However, Chili Davis' stock seems to be on the rise. 

[cmb0252]

I'm starting to doubt that the Twins will ever change managers but if they do I'm sure they will go in house which I feel is a mistake. While I don't think Molitor would be a bad choice this franchise needs some fresh blood. I have been saying it for years but my vote would be Mike Maddux. Big fan.

[SirLoin]

I would be curious to see if Doug Mientkiewicz would get a look considering his success at Ft. Myers.  Granted, it's Class A, but maybe he's at least earned a shot on the coaching staff.  

[diehardtwinsfan]

I'm not typically on the "Fire Gardy" wagon, but even I've reached the point where I think he'll be gone (and needs to be gone). Not so much because this losing is his fault - but just because the team could use a new leader.

 

I'd vote for Molitor or Glynn - I think either could be a nice "new voice" (as new as we can ask for, anyway)for the organization.

The problem as I see it was that last year was the year to do it. His contract was up. He signed a 2 year deal, so I think he's here till next season. Typically, they start looking at extensions a year out, so this could be another situation like last season where Gardy enters 2015 a lame duck. I agree that he needs to go. I think its time. I just don't think it happens this offseason.

[jacku641]

Here's a scenario that keeps Gardenhire with the Twins next season. Next year is also the last year of Mike Redmond's current contract in Miami. If Miami decides that he's not the right fit there he would become available and be an interesting option.

[Willihammer]

Dave Martinez

[SydneyTwinsFan]

I'd like to see a younger voice in the clubhouse. I would be fine with Dougie Baseball or Redmond

[gunnarthor]

I'd be stunned if Ryan fired Gardy.  My belief is that eventually Dougie Baseball replaces Gardy but it's a few years down the line.  I also think keeping Gardy is a good thing. 

 

And I suspect this thread blows up.

[SirLoin]

Dave Martinez

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wlMwc1c0HRQ

[Willihammer]

I'd be stunned if Ryan fired Gardy.

I would be too but I believe the Jays and Red Sox will both be looking to hire new managers (others?). If one of them gave Gardy a call, maybe he and the Twins would agree to part ways (or make a trade - as the Sox acquired Farrell)? I could see it happening.

[tobi0040]

I'd be stunned if Ryan fired Gardy.  My belief is that eventually Dougie Baseball replaces Gardy but it's a few years down the line.  I also think keeping Gardy is a good thing. 

 

And I suspect this thread blows up.

 

My preference would be Ronnie is let go.  His record has been terrible, most of that is not his fault. I am not a huge believer in motivational speakers inspiring guys to play better.  His roster has been terrible, starting pitching has been in the 27-30 range the last 3-4 years.  So you can't really expect a better outcome.

 

Having said that, I really don't like the way Ron handles young players.  He constantly plays guys, young guys even out of position (Pinto at DH, Santana at CF) and he also ridicules them in the press.  For those reasons alone I don't think he is the right guy for the job given the level of talent we are going to bring up in the next 1-2 years.

 

My preference would be Paul Molitor, but my only real request would be a better partnership between the GM and coach and they get on the same page as far as developing players.  Given where the Twins are right now, the coach should be playing for next year more so than this year.  Gardy does not seem to think past today.

 

For what it is worth, I think Ron is the manager next year.

[tobi0040]

I would be too but I believe the Jays and Red Sox will both be looking to hire new managers (others?). If one of them gave Gardy a call, maybe he and the Twins would agree to part ways (or make a trade - as the Sox acquired Farrell)? I could see it happening.

 

Gardenhire for Henry Owens!

[jorgenswest]

They need to hire the best manager available. If that guy happens to be in the organization right now, then go that direction.

 

Will other teams be going after Molitor or Mientkiewicz or Glynn? If so, the Twins better hire one of them quick. If not, then why should the Twins be pursuing them?

 

Staying in house will probably make an easier transition. Once the transition is over, they better have the best manager in place. I am not confident that guy is in the organization right now. I will take the rockier transition for the better manager.

[gunnarthor]

 

 

Having said that, I really don't like the way Ron handles young players.  He constantly plays guys, young guys even out of position (Pinto at DH, Santana at CF) and he also ridicules them in the press.  For those reasons alone I don't think he is the right guy for the job given the level of talent we are going to bring up in the next 1-2 years.

 

 

Yeah, the Gardy is mean to youngsters thing is such BS.  What exactly has Gardy done in the press?  He was somewhat critical of Hicks although a the complete reading of the article his comments were pretty tame and that's the only "mean" thing I can think of.  He routinely praises young guys (Hicks included), including guys not up here yet.  Most of Gardy's teams were incredibly young.  

 

The Nats manager pulled Bryce Harper for not running out a grounder to the pitcher, Gardy hasn't done that.  Joe Maddon told the press that Wil Myers had to work on his defense and needed to focus on baseball all the time and not give away at bats.  The Mets manager said something similar about Wheeler and was accused of throwing him under the bus by the media.  Ron Washington made a pitcher give him the ball "the right way" when he pulled him from a game.  Boston is playing super rookies Betts and Bogaerts out of position after placing a mediocre vet in front of Bogaerts.  

[Craig Arko]

Don't know when it will happen, but I see the line of succession as:

Gardy->Molitor->Dougie->Jake.

[alskntwnsfn]

This is an important question. And a major aspect is what will happen vs what could/should happen. Given the way this organization operates, we all expect that if a change is made it will be somebody internal.

 

If we do go outside, I'd suggest an extensive quantitative search of the minors and majors. Our stats/analysis team could build a database of mlb/milb teams with their expected production and compare that to their actual performance for each year over the past 6-7 years. Anybody stand out that consistently outperforms expectations? Let's bring them in for an interview. Beyond that, how about poaching somebody from the staff of the Rays, Cardinals, A's, Pirates, Giants, or Braves. Those clubs are perennial contenders (in recent years anyhow) and don't have excessive budgets to work with.

 

We can compare these guys versus internal options. I'm not sure, maybe Molitor is the right guy for the job, or maybe Doug M or Glynn.

 

I think that's the most responsible manner to perform a search, assuming they make a change. Whether it will be this approach or just picking names off a wall (like the scene in Moneyball) is an interesting question.

[spanman2]

It's time to begin the discussion...

 

Who would you like to see take over managerial duties for the Twins?

 

Paul Molitor? Gene Glynn?

 

Someone from outside the organization completely?

 

Former Twins player? Dan Gladden (kidding)?

 

If Gardy can keep this team from completely tanking into August/September, something he hasn't been able to do the last 3 seasons, maybe he has an outside chance at finishing the 2nd year of his 2 year deal, but I think he's gone after this season (and with him my arch-nemesis, Rick Anderson - good riddance!).

 

Who's next for the Twins?

Dave Martinez (Rays bench coach) or Molitor/Tony Pena.  One thing I would do for certain is bring Morris/Blyleven in as some type of a consultant role in working with the pitchers.  Not necessarily in the dugout but rather being there for advice etc helping them with the mental part of the game offering their past experiences as guidance.

[Steven Buhr]

It's kind of funny. I keep hearing the same names from within the organization mentioned as successors. Molitor, Glynn, Mientkiewicz and Mauer. That's their MLB bench coach, their AAA manager, high-A manager and low-A manager.

 

But when it came to assigning someone to manage in the Arizona Fall League last year, who did the Twins tap? Jeff Smith, their AA manager.

 

The "word" I've heard from multiple sources is that Smith isn't particularly well-liked by players and others in the organization and every year there's talk of someone replacing him at New Britain. But he's not only still there, but the AzFL assignment would seem to signal that he's actually thought highly of by the Twins.

 

Sometimes when you replace a manager, you look for someone who has a different approach or style. Gardy has always been a "players manager," by reputation. He comes off as one of the guys.

 

If the Twins do decide to move in another direction this year (and I think they probably will), a guy from inside the organization that has a rep for being less of a players' manager might be someone they'd consider.

 

One complaint I've heard about Smith is that he's sometimes more concerned with winning games than helping players develop. I'm not sure if that's really true, but even if it is, it might indicate being more suited for a big league job than one in the minors.

 

He wouldn't be my choice, but I wouldn't be all that surprised to see him be the choice of the Twins FO.

[Willihammer]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wlMwc1c0HRQ

Pros:

5 year tutelage under Maddon, where he did "everything Joe does, except [didn't] have to deal with the media,"

Familiar with AL competition

Shift savvy

Playoff Experience

Bilingual

Outside blood

Young

 

Cons:

a little too bunt/steal friendly IMO - but that could be more a result of coaching a bunch of slap hitters for the most part

 

edit: Eh I take that last part back. The Rays have had plenty of pop since 2007. They get thrown out too much on the bases, and that is a significant knock on him IMO.

[Seth Stohs]

My Top 4:

 

1.) Dave Martinez,

2.) Jake Mauer,

3.) Doug Mientkiewicz,

4.) Gene Glynn

 

And, I don't know enough about outside candidates, but I really liked Dave Martinez going back to his playing days.

[James]

I know the record has been terrible for the past 4 years, but I don't see them replacing Gardy this year.  I've said it before, and I'll say it again, after this season, Gardy will announce that 2015 will be his last year as a manager and he will be retiring.  Whether he'll be asked to retire or just do it himself remains to be seen.  Then he'll be given a cushy job being a spring training coach and call some games from time to time. 

 

After that, I'm assuming that they'll go with someone who has been in the minors and is familiar with the next wave of talent.  Dougie M or Mauer are my guesses.

 

If they did go outside the organization, I could definitely see Redmond.  The thought of Chili Davis is interesting as well, but if there was a chance they were going to poach someone from Oakland, I have a weird feeling that they might go after Chip Hale instead.  But then again, I could just be throwing names out there. 

[Kwak]

In-house candidates won't turn this team around.  Ryan and Gardenhire signed 2-year deals--there won't be any change until Sept '15 at the earliest.  Thoug the Twins are losing BB games, they are profitable as the dickens--dont expect any change as long as that is the case.

[Brandon]

I think Gardenhire is a fine choice to be picked as Gardenhire's successor. 

 

But maybe Ryan gets a little creative and decides its time for a fan to manage.  which poster on Twins daily makes the best manager?  Paul Pleiss, Seth Stoh's, Parker Hageman, or Twinsgeek.....

[Winston Smith]

Just curious but what has Glynn done with his team to deserve and ML gig?