Article: Rob Antony's Audition

[Nick Nelson]

That the Minnesota Twins decided to move on from general manager Terry Ryan would not, in and of itself, be all that surprising for any organization that didn't have the same reputation for inscrutable loyalty. It is a results-oriented business, and the results have been dire since Ryan's return.

 

The timing of the move, however, was stunning from any perspective.The Twins removed Ryan from the GM's chair just two weeks ahead of a pivotal trade deadline. In that same chair, he was amidst discussions and negotiations that had been percolating for weeks. The next 10 days could prove extremely important to the future of the franchise. Now, instead of a seasoned veteran highly familiar navigating with the deadline landscape, the burden falls to Rob Antony, who has virtually no experience in this top role.

 

The pressure Antony faces is immense. This is a job that he has eyed for much of his life. He has spent nearly 30 years climbing the ladder with this team. He stated earlier this week that he has always envisioned a day when Ryan would step aside on his own terms and recommend his longtime assistant as successor. Had things played out the way they were supposed to this year, that could have very well come to fruition.

 

Obviously, it isn't what happened. The club collapsed, Ryan was fired, and now Antony carries the dubious distinction of being next-in-command for this precarious regime. He finally has the job he has long coveted, but it's far from certain that he'll be able to keep it beyond the next two months.

 

Earlier this week in the Star Tribune, columnist Pat Reusse wrote that there is "zero chance" of Antony keeping the position long-term. If the premise of Reusse's piece is true, and the dismissal of Ryan was driven by PR considerations, then this only makes sense. Regardless of Antony's qualifications, installing him as the permanent replacement isn't going to excite or rejuvenate a wilting fan base. The Twins would need a splashy outside hire.

 

But, given the critical timing of Antony's installation as interim GM, along with the organization's aforementioned loyalty and preference for promoting from within, I have to believe that the 51-year-old is being given an opportunity to audition. Could he bolster his case with a few savvy moves leading up the deadline and beyond?

 

It's going to be tough to evaluate him on this basis, for a few reasons. First of all, the nature Minnesota's position as sellers means that any moves they make will involve swapping out veterans for prospects. Those deals are almost impossible to evaluate until several years down the line. Secondly, Antony is only picking up where Ryan left off. Very few deadline deals materialize out of nowhere in the final days of July. Seeds have been planted. Antony isn't really operating in full autonomy even though he now has the final say.

 

There were several interesting tidbits within La Velle E. Neal III's Q&A with Antony earlier this week. One that I found particularly noteworthy: Ryan advised, "You might get more action now than we did before because people are going to test you."

 

It's a side of this whole thing that I hadn't really considered. Ryan has always had a shrewd and conservative approach at the deadline, much to the dismay of action-hungry fans. Opposing general managers were undoubtedly reluctant to push him too hard, knowing where such efforts would end up.

 

Antony, though, is a different man. Perhaps he's more willing to pull the trigger. Perhaps that was even a part of the reasoning behind the switch. Will his desire to make a splash and distinguish himself compel him to be more active? Will opportunistic execs around the league seek to take advantage of the new guy? I'll be curious to see how this plays out.

 

One thing is for sure: he's being thrown right into the frying pan. The stakes for Antony and his career are as high as can be. How will the interim GM handle the task?

 

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[The Wise One]

Pohlad wasn't going to relieve Ryan of his duties until the end of the season, Ryan chose now. Big difference in accuracy of reporting

 

Ruesse knows baseball. He isn't around the Twins enough to know what Pohlad thinks.

[clutterheart]

Basketball season starts in 4 months. Looking forward to watching those t-wolves

[Old Twins Cap]

Ryan could see that Pohlad wants new blood, from outside the organization.

 

So, he fell on his sword hoping to give Antony a shot at changing Pohlad's mind. 

 

Ryan is ultimate organization man, and he wants Antony to have the job.

 

That's all this is about. 

 

Kind of alarming that Pohlad would allow a temporary replacement GM make key decisions that could affect the team's future for a very long time.  But, that's the kind of feckless owner he is.

[beckmt]

Feel Monitor will have too much say in this. Twins have 2-4 pieces that should bring B- to C+ prospect types and a few others that need to be moved. Salary needs to be cleared so that Twins can be a player in the ace market after 2017. 30 million a year could be spent if total starting rotation is under 35 million first year or two and under 50 the rest of the time. Most of the Twins core is young and cheap, a few expensive players will not break the bank. Test will be to get A and A- level players that can develop into something good, TR was good at that.

[USAFChief]

I agree with Ruesse. I don't think Antony is auditioning. And I don't think that will change in the coming weeks.

[diehardtwinsfan]

I wouldn't mind it if Antony decided to get a bit more splashy with the trades (at least for the usual names mentioned here).  Ryan wasn't known much for deadline deals... though truthfully, the one exception to that might be BD, as I want a decent return there and would be much more comfortable if that was handled by the new GM.

 

If Antony is smart, he lets his baseball people largely make those decisions anyways.   

[Hosken Bombo Disco]

I really doubt Antony does anything ridiculous like trade a prospect, on the other hand, we're entering Day 5 and he hasn't really done anything noticeable yet. I would think he does something very soon like call up Berrios, if he wants to signal to ownership that he has different thoughts than Ryan about how to help the team. Thoughts?

[Hosken Bombo Disco]

I agree with Ruesse. I don't think Antony is auditioning. And I don't think that will change in the coming weeks.

concur, but if he believes he is? Also, he's got the keys, go for a spin buddy

[Mr. Brooks]

Ryan could see that Pohlad wants new blood, from outside the organization.

 

So, he fell on his sword hoping to give Antony a shot at changing Pohlad's mind.

 

Ryan is ultimate organization man, and he wants Antony to have the job.

 

That's all this is about.

 

Kind of alarming that Pohlad would allow a temporary replacement GM make key decisions that could affect the team's future for a very long time. But, that's the kind of feckless owner he is.

Who else would make those decisions?

[HitInAPinch]

Rob Antony will not be the Twins GM.  Rob Antony is not 'auditioning' for that role.  He's been with the Twins since 1987.  Career-wise, he should have been looking elsewhere a long time ago.  What he is auditioning for is a job upgrade with another organization.

[tobi0040]

I am in the Ruesse camp too. I would be curious Nick what you think. Assuming his moves are received well by the Pohlad's, do you think he has a shot? No shot? Outside shot? Legitimate contender?

[goulik]

(Warning: in the following post, I have quoted my own thoughts of what may have been actual words. These are not quotes you can find elsewhere, just in my brain)

 

So Ryan was dismissed right after the All Star break which is when many trades come to fruition.

 

TR was told a few weeks ago that he's leaving after this season, he sticks around a little while longer and two weeks before the deadline, out of the blue says "Well, if that's the case, I might as well go now!". Just two weeks to deadline!

 

Reusse's reports that its all about PR!

 

My thought: Who did Ryan try to trade that Pohlad said "no" about leading to Terry saying "Well, if that's the case, I might as well go now!" If Ryan was unable to make those big trades we are all hoping for, it makes no difference if Antony is in charge now or after the deadline. If TR had big trades brewing that could still happen if he sticks around, why leave everyone in the lurch?

[Everyday Eddy]

Is it possible that Pohlad just decided to freeze all assets and let a new GM start fresh?    Not saying this would be very smart,   but it's safer than letting Antony make any deals

[mazeville]

Again, as a reminder: Ryan chose the timing of his firing, not Pohlad. That renders a lot of the speculation here moot. It means this isn't truly an "audition" for Rob Antony as it is simply the fact that someone needs to fill the seat for the rest of the year.

 

And so I'm going to buy into Reusse's theory. And remember that Reusse was correct when he speculated multiple times that the Twins would get rid of Ryan in the offseason because, in his words, "Pohlad is not stupid." Lots of other people, including those who cover the team on a regular basis, refused to believe the idea that the Twins would get rid of Terry Ryan. And then they got rid of Terry Ryan.

 

Logic suggests they go outside the organization on this hire. If they were going to hire from within, they'd simply hire Rob Antony now. They know what he can do because he's worked with the organization for 30 plus years. If you're going to go through with a search, why just hire the guy you know and put in the interim position?

 

This is no audition.

[troyhobbs]

I don't see the conclusive evidence that most (seemingly) do that they are going outside the organization for the next GM. Plus, who would want the job if they're going to be handcuffed right off the bat with their manager selection (and likely financially, relatively speaking).

 

Also, reports are that more calls have been coming in since Ryan's departure, could actually be a fortuitous scenario that I'm looking forward to watching play out. Maybe we could see some drama at the deadline for once....

[tobi0040]

Again, as a reminder: Ryan chose the timing of his firing, not Pohlad. That renders a lot of the speculation here moot. It means this isn't truly an "audition" for Rob Antony as it is simply the fact that someone needs to fill the seat for the rest of the year.

 

And so I'm going to buy into Reusse's theory. And remember that Reusse was correct when he speculated multiple times that the Twins would get rid of Ryan in the offseason because, in his words, "Pohlad is not stupid." Lots of other people, including those who cover the team on a regular basis, refused to believe the idea that the Twins would get rid of Terry Ryan. And then they got rid of Terry Ryan.

 

Logic suggests they go outside the organization on this hire. If they were going to hire from within, they'd simply hire Rob Antony now. They know what he can do because he's worked with the organization for 30 plus years. If you're going to go through with a search, why just hitre the guy you know and put in the interim position?

 

This is no audition.

I agree that this is not an audition.

 

But if they were to give the job to Antony, they would have to run a charade of lookng outside first. I mean that would be the worst PR ever if they just handed the job to Antony without even looking, interviewing, publicly leaking the external candidates, etc.

[wsnydes]

 

Again, as a reminder: Ryan chose the timing of his firing, not Pohlad. That renders a lot of the speculation here moot. It means this isn't truly an "audition" for Rob Antony as it is simply the fact that someone needs to fill the seat for the rest of the year.

 

And so I'm going to buy into Reusse's theory. And remember that Reusse was correct when he speculated multiple times that the Twins would get rid of Ryan in the offseason because, in his words, "Pohlad is not stupid." Lots of other people, including those who cover the team on a regular basis, refused to believe the idea that the Twins would get rid of Terry Ryan. And then they got rid of Terry Ryan.

 

Logic suggests they go outside the organization on this hire. If they were going to hire from within, they'd simply hire Rob Antony now. They know what he can do because he's worked with the organization for 30 plus years. If you're going to go through with a search, why just hire the guy you know and put in the interim position?

 

This is no audition.

I'd like to point out that just because somebody has to fill the role, that doesn't mean that it isn't an audition.  It may be or it may not be, I'm not sure that I care.  I agree that logic suggests that they look outside of the organization, which probably makes this nothing other than filling the hole. 

 

What I would argue however, is that it really is an audition for Antony - just for his next job with another organization.  How he handles this could lead to something else for him later on.

Edited July 22, 2016 by wsnydes

[Willihammer]

If Antony makes a splash at the deadline, I think the job will be his. Just one trade for a semi-highly regarded pitching prospect in AA or AAA might be enough. Public perception doesn't have to change that much for JP to roll with a known quantity, I suspect. It just can't be unanimous  contempt like it had gotten to be for TR. We do have standards, after all.

[howieramone2]

 

Basketball season starts in 4 months. Looking forward to watching those t-wolves

That makes one.

[drivlikejehu]

I'm not as worried about Antony as maybe I should be . . . It really makes zero sense to retain him. Pohlads could have chosen the status quo and instead fired Ryan.

[Major League Ready]

 

I don't see the conclusive evidence that most (seemingly) do that they are going outside the organization for the next GM. Plus, who would want the job if they're going to be handcuffed right off the bat with their manager selection (and likely financially, relatively speaking).

 

Also, reports are that more calls have been coming in since Ryan's departure, could actually be a fortuitous scenario that I'm looking forward to watching play out. Maybe we could see some drama at the deadline for once....

The evidence is never conclusive in these instances and even if it was you would not be privy to it so no wonder you have not seen it.  Man, why do so many sports fans such a difficult time recognizing they simply don't have access to critical information?

 

People keep saying why would anyone want this job?  Are you kidding me?  For starters, there are only 30 such jobs in the world and it pays a couple million bucks/yr..  If you are a past GM or an aspiring GM, this job is of interest.  They are basically where KC was a few years ago with a little more revenue to work with.  We also have substantial  depth in the farm system that should feed the ML club for several years not to mention a top pick next June.

 

Edit:  I should have also said these jobs generally don't open up when everything with the team is perfect.  Any qualified candidate would expect there will be obstacles to overcome.  

Edited July 22, 2016 by Major Leauge Ready

[tobi0040]

This is just my opinion and it obviously varies from yours.

 

But I don’t think the Terry Ryan tree is going to yield any offers for Rob Antony. This organization has had a terrible run here and he was the #2 for quite some time. And our reputation around the league is that of a front office that lags behind the rest of the league on many fronts. You have #2’s and #3’s at about 25 other organizations that would be more sought after than him. In fact, he has never been publicly even rumored elsewhere as a GM.

 

Could he find a job in another organization as a scout or something? Sure. But if he is relieved of his duties here his next role will almost certainly be a demotion.

[Major League Ready]

 

If Antony makes a splash at the deadline, I think the job will be his. Just one trade for a semi-highly regarded pitching prospect in AA or AAA might be enough. Public perception doesn't have to change that much for JP to roll with a known quantity, I suspect. It just can't be unanimous  contempt like it had gotten to be for TR. We do have standards, after all.

Like Alex Meyer?

[wsnydes]

 

I don't see the conclusive evidence that most (seemingly) do that they are going outside the organization for the next GM. Plus, who would want the job if they're going to be handcuffed right off the bat with their manager selection (and likely financially, relatively speaking).

 

Also, reports are that more calls have been coming in since Ryan's departure, could actually be a fortuitous scenario that I'm looking forward to watching play out. Maybe we could see some drama at the deadline for once....

I don't see the manager thing being all that big of a deal in the grand scheme of things.  If they feel handcuffed by a one year deal, that almost seems more worrisome in my view.  Many new GM's keep the current manager on board for a year anyway.  The caveat to that statement is that it has to be clear that the new GM has the authority to move on after Molitor's deal is done if they so choose.  If that isn't the case, that's being handcuffed.  That's a much different story and a much different issue.

 

GM's need to think longer than one year and the new GM will be brought in for multiple years.  Is the manager deal ideal?  No, of course not.  I think it's something that most will look past considering it's only a one season issue.

[wsnydes]

 

This is just my opinion and it obviously varies from yours.

But I don’t think the Terry Ryan tree is going to yield any offers for Rob Antony. This organization has had a terrible run here and he was the #2 for quite some time. And our reputation around the league is that of a front office that lags behind the rest of the league on many fronts. You have #2’s and #3’s at about 25 other organizations that would be more sought after than him. In fact, he has never been publicly even rumored elsewhere as a GM.

Could he find a job in another organization as a scout or something? Sure. But if he is relieved of his duties here his next role will almost certainly be a demotion.

Actually, I agree completely.  He could still end up with an administrative role, just one with far less prominence.  But I do think the visibility he has can benefit him regardless.  It could also hurt him if he shows poorly.

Edited July 22, 2016 by wsnydes

[Willihammer]

 

Like Alex Meyer?

Bingo. Dozier for Meyer 2.0. Maybe Kyle Zimmer, something along those lines, don't you think?

[mazeville]

 

I'd like to point out that just because somebody has to fill the role, that doesn't mean that it isn't an audition.  It may be or it may not be, I'm not sure that I care.  I agree that logic suggests that they look outside of the organization, which probably makes this nothing other than filling the hole. 

 

What I would argue however, is that it really is an audition for Antony - just for his next job with another organization.  How he handles this could lead to something else for him later on.

 

It's not an audition for this job. That's the point. It may be an audition for another job, sure. But certainly not for this one.

 

 

[mazeville]

 

If Antony makes a splash at the deadline, I think the job will be his. Just one trade for a semi-highly regarded pitching prospect in AA or AAA might be enough. Public perception doesn't have to change that much for JP to roll with a known quantity, I suspect. It just can't be unanimous  contempt like it had gotten to be for TR. We do have standards, after all.

 

Nope.

 

The main problem with this theory is that there's no way to determine whether a trade works or not in the weeks or months after the trade is made.

 

Again, this is not an audition for Rob Antony. It's not his job to lose. He is a known commodity, and the Twins' history suggests that he would simply be given the job if the team thought he was good enough for it. At best, he's working to stay in the organization after whomever is named to be the GM or the POBO or whatever we're calling it these days.

[big dog]

I'm not going to draw any conclusions about the recent events until I review the Zapruder film.  Did Antony push Ryan under the bus, or was it a stumble?  Hmmm....