Article: Updates On The Front Office Search

[Nick Nelson]

In their search for new leadership in the baseball operations department, we don't yet know if the Twins will ultimately settle on the right candidate. In fact, it may take years to determine that.

 

We can say with some confidence, however, that they're looking in the right places.Last week, national MLB reporter Jon Morosi named Alex Anthopoulos as a "confirmed candidate" for Minnesota's new baseball ops chief position. A few days later, Mike Berardino of the Pioneer Press followed up with a report that Anthopoulos had taken his name out of the hat.

 

While it's disappointing that the Twins won't be able to further pursue Anthopoulos, the fact that he was a legitimate consideration is encouraging. He is exactly the type of person that many fans would like to see tabbed for this vital role.

 

Formerly the general manager of the Toronto Blue Jays, Anthopoulos is an outsider with background in both scouting and analytics. He has historically had an active and aggressive style when it comes to making moves and building rosters. Under his watch, the Blue Jays developed into an AL East powerhouse. They reached the postseason last year for the first time in two decades and are aiming for a return this year with a roster primarily crafted by Anthopolous.

 

Alas, he won't be coming aboard. But we continue to see intriguing names pop up in the search for a top baseball exec.

 

On Monday, Bob Nightengale of USA Today reported that the Twins had formally requested permission to interview Jason McLeod, who serves under Theo Epstein in the Chicago Cubs front office. The Cubs, owners of baseball's best record, boast one of the premier rosters and systems in the game. Their organization is a natural choice to scour for executive talent.

 

McLeod, in particular, is a compelling name. As Berardino notes, he previously served as Epstein's scouting director in Boston, and is credited with drafting a number of high-profile stars such as Dustin Pedroia, Anthony Rizzo, Kris Bryant and Kyle Schwarber. Given Minnesota's struggles converting high draft picks into contributors lately, McLeod's track record in this regard is appealing.

 

Another candidate that the Twins appear to be considering, according to Jon Heyman, is J.J. Piccolo. The 45-year-old currently serves as assistant GM in charge of scouting and player development for the Kansas City Royals.

 

The Royals, like the Cubs, are a franchise worth emulating. Over the past 10 years, they have climbed from being AL Central bottom-feeders to two-time league champs, and that's exactly the type of path the Twins would like to follow (albeit in a shorter timeframe).

 

Piccolo originally came up as a scout in the Braves system before spending the past decade with the Royals. He was at one point last year considered a finalist for the Phillies GM gig before Matt Klentak ended up being chosen. Given his role in constructing an elite defensive club in Kansas City, as well as his familiarity with the division (which means he likely also has better-than-average familiarity with the Twins and their personnel), Piccolo looks like a logical guy to vet.

 

McLeod and Piccolo both are highly respected front office execs that many around the game view as GM-in-waiting types. Both also have few, if any, ties to the Twins organization, meaning they would bring the wholly fresh perspective that so many are yearning for in a new hire.

 

One tricky thing that the Twins must balance is the urgency to fill their opening with the desire to interview individuals who remain focused on the postseason. This isn't so much of an issue with Piccolo, whose Royals are likely to miss the playoffs for the first time in three years. But it is with McLeod, whose Cubs are poised for a deep October run.

 

Waiting out a guy like McLeod means postponing any serious offseason planning that he would spearhead, and also means delaying the process of finding a new GM, which will be task No. 1 for whoever takes over the baseball ops unit.

 

With a decision carrying this much gravity, obviously the Twins and assisting search firm Korn Ferry need to take their time and ensure they get the best person for the job. But then, the team is looking ahead to a winter filled with critical choices that require proactive thinking. There's a tenuous timeline at play with the Hot Stove market firing up almost immediately after the World Series concludes.

 

That said, it sounds as though the Twins are already deeply immersed in the task. They have reportedly conducted interviews with multiple candidates, and seeing the club publicly connected to coveted names like McLeod and Piccolo is a positive omen. So, too, is their preference for "someone who's more on the analytical side," per a Berardino source.

 

Stay tuned to Twins Daily in the coming weeks and we'll keep you posted up-to-the-minute on every development that emerges as the team narrows its search.

 

Click here to view the article

[Rosterman]

Did I hear mention that the job description was changed from President of Baseball Operations to Director of Baseball Operations on KSTP-1500 this morn

ing?

 

[JaleelWhite FanClub]

Any word on the team's interest or lack thereof in Kim Ng? I admit I haven't kept up on the latest GM gossip the past month or so.

 

She seemed to be among the most qualified of the candidates initially discussed for the job. Has either side come out and said something either way?

[ckrolak]

The only way that the Twins will return to playoff and championship glory will be with new ownership.  Period.

[beckmt]

I read somewhere that Pohlad may be willing to spend some money this winter, wrong type of pitchers available.  Need new baseball director to convince him we need to save the money and find out which youngsters can contribute to the next Twins good teams. Would rather Pohlad spent the money in the international market and got at least one top international player.

Mc Leod really interests me as a great contributor, who may well be ready to take the next step. Background of finding players is excellent.

Ng would be fine,  just feel others would better.

Piccolo could be fine, just not as confident.  Seems he has already been interviewed when KC came through last week.

[markos]

 

 

One tricky thing that the Twins must balance is the urgency to fill their opening with the desire to interview individuals who remain focused on the postseason. This isn't so much of an issue with Piccolo, whose Royals are likely to miss the playoffs for the first time in three years. But it is with McLeod, whose Cubs are poised for a deep October run.

Waiting out a guy like McLeod means postponing any serious offseason planning that he would spearhead, and also means delaying the process of finding a new GM, which will be task No. 1 for whoever takes over the baseball ops unit.

I don't think they will have to wait too long. David Stearns was hired by the Brewers on September 21st while the Astros were in the midst of a pennant race. The Angels hired Billy Eppler on October 4th, two days before their wildcard game.

[markos]

 

Did I hear mention that the job description was changed from President of Baseball Operations to Director of Baseball Operations on KSTP-1500 this morn

ing?

Really? That is a pretty big change. Across the league, the Director of Baseball Operations is a spot below GM. For example, Farhan Zaidi had that title with the A's when Billy Beane was GM. Also, see http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/mlb-big-league-stew/cubs-hire-25-old-director-baseball-operations-010712430--mlb.html

[clutterheart]

The best part about this is #its happening!  It really looks like the Twins country club going to finally be disbanded.

 

Brad Steil - Good bye!! 

Mike Radcliffe- Happy Trails!

Deron Johnson -  Enjoy your time off!

Rob Antony - Go back to marketing!

Wayne Krivsky - What do you do anyway?

Jack Goin - Maybe they can keep you around to run the benefits database

 

 

[jimmer]

 

The best part about this is #its happening!  It really looks like the Twins country club going to finally be disbanded.

 

Brad Steil - Good bye!! 

Mike Radcliffe- Happy Trails!

Deron Johnson -  Enjoy your time off!

Rob Antony - Go back to marketing!

Wayne Krivsky - What do you do anyway?

Jack Goin - Maybe they can keep you around to run the benefits database

Jack Goin is doing a fine job.  The higher ups just need to find a way to implement the info more in regards to signing FAs along with the field manager actually using it. 

Edited September 14, 2016 by jimmer

[ThejacKmp]

Are the Royals really the best rebuild to emulate? It took them ten years of utter feeble incompetence with numerous failed prospects and even when they put it together, it was a pretty near thing. Dayton Moore came pretty close to blowing that whole thing up with the risky Shields/Myers trade - if that doesn't work out and the Royals don't eke into the wild card game and go on a run in the playoffs, Moore is likely fired and the next guy comes in and blows things up.

 

And the Cubs is another hard one to emulate because of an imbalance in the resources allows the Cubs to go pursue high level pitching in the free agent market, something the Pohlads are decidedly not going to do.

 

I'm glad we're interviewing these guys but I hope we're not doing it because "the Royals won the World Series" and "we can emulate the Cubs model". I hope they're actually good baseball minds who can adapt to a new situation and come up with creative solutions to individual problems. I'm not ready for a Royals rebuild and I'm certain we aren't going to follow the Cubs model.

 

[ThejacKmp]

 

I don't think they will have to wait too long. David Stearns was hired by the Brewers on September 21st while the Astros were in the midst of a pennant race. The Angels hired Billy Eppler on October 4th, two days before their wildcard game.

 

Agreed. It's not like hiring a coach where you can't interview the bench coach until his team is eliminated. These guys calendar of business does not really synch up with the playing calendar. Big times are before drafts and free agents - this is actually kind of a perfect time to look at guys in the front office since the dice has been cast and there's not too much left to do.

[Mr. Brooks]

Jack Goin is doing a fine job. The higher ups just need to find a way to implement the info more in regards to signing FAs along with the field manager actually using it.

Can you give examples of things Goin is doing that are good? I mean specific examples that can be compared to other teams.

 

I'm not saying he's not good at his job. I just don't know how we have any idea.

[Otto von Ballpark]

 

Can you give examples of things Goin is doing that are good? I mean specific examples that can be compared to other teams.

I'm not saying he's not good at his job. I just don't know how we have any idea.

And more to the point, I don't think the Twins current front office probably has any idea.  What benchmark does Terry Ryan and Rob Antony have for judging Goin's performance?  They've never worked with another analytics department.  Goin's department should be up for serious review by the new hire as much as any.

[Otto von Ballpark]

 

Any word on the team's interest or lack thereof in Kim Ng? I admit I haven't kept up on the latest GM gossip the past month or so.

 

She seemed to be among the most qualified of the candidates initially discussed for the job. Has either side come out and said something either way?

Judging by her current position with MLB, Ng is probably more of an administrative type, which can be useful but probably isn't what the Twins need right now.

[zenser]

They have yet to announce me as a candidate.  They must be getting tired of receiving my resume daily.

[clutterheart]

 

Jack Goin is doing a fine job.  The higher ups just need to find a way to implement the info more in regards to signing FAs along with the field manager actually using it. 

 

Going onto Twins Daily from time to time and giving bloggers their desired "access" does not mean he is doing a fine job.  The reality is none of us know if he is doing a good job or not.  

 

But any new GM is going to bring in his/her own people.  And that probably means Goin is out - along with the rest of those folks.  Its too bad but its the reality of any leadership change that the existing leadership team is out.  

[Squirrel]

 

Going onto Twins Daily from time to time and giving bloggers their desired "access" does not mean he is doing a fine job.  The reality is none of us know if he is doing a good job or not.  

 

But any new GM is going to bring in his/her own people.  And that probably means Goin is out - along with the rest of those folks.  Its too bad but its the reality of any leadership change that the existing leadership team is out.  

Right. None of us knows who does what here. I agree with the general sentiment that no one is 'safe' and that whoever is hired will have to take a look at everything and make decisions/changes where necessary. But this is not a specific discussion on Jack Goin and the 'he can run the benefits database' was a bit mean-spirited, in my opinion. Let's keep the discussion to the POBO possibilities, what you hope/expect them to change, please, without going into a specific discussion on Mr. Goin.

 

Thank you.

[nicksaviking]

And while Jack is a friend of the site, posting respectfully is a requirement here and thus the other men listed above deserve the same consideration, whether posters approve of their jobs or not.

 

And aside from Anthony, and perhaps Deron Johnson, there is probably next to no information we as fans have that would indicate how any of them perform at their jobs.

[Kwak]

 

Right. None of us knows who does what here. I agree with the general sentiment that no one is 'safe' and that whoever is hired will have to take a look at everything and make decisions/changes where necessary. But this is not a specific discussion on Jack Goin and the 'he can run the benefits database' was a bit mean-spirited, in my opinion. Let's keep the discussion to the POBO possibilities, what you hope/expect them to change, please, without going into a specific discussion on Mr. Goin.

 

Thank you.

When the nation elects a different President typically there is a near total turnover in the Cabinet. Just sayin'...

[beckmt]

Ng has worked in front offices before, just not in the last few years.  That should not be a disqualification.  I just think there are better candidates.

More concerning is the withdrawal of 2 prior full GM's.  May be message on how much power the new hire will have.

[Champuckett]

Looks like ex-Red Sox GM Ben Cherington is out citing personal reasons.  The Royals VP J.J. Picollo was interviewed while Kansas City was in town.

 

Sad to see Ben Cherington opt out of even sitting down for an interview.  I was hopeful we might have a chance at picking him up.  Curious on his "personal" reasons for this.

 

Seems like the three biggest possibilities at this point are McLeod, Picollo, and Antony (ugh).  Still a number of weeks left for interviews.

[Rosterman]

I guess Cherington's personal issues involved signing with Toronto to be VP. So the Twins didn't move fast enough on this front.

[Champuckett]

Nice find, looks like it was just announced.  Guess that quickly answers that question.  Pray that we do not wait too long on other potential candidates to get sniped from under our noses.

[gocgo]

I don't know that it's a given that there will be house cleaning.  I know that the "total system failure" line was used this year, but, if you look at what it takes for a championship team, the entire system has to work - scouting, development, statistics, coaching at every level, medical/trainers, etc..  If even one of those areas fail, the house can tumble down in a hurry and when the house crumbles like it did this year, I don't think it is a given that every area failed.

 

I think that is the biggest challenge for the new person/people.  Figuring out what parts to keep in place and what parts to replace.

[nicksaviking]

So Cherington is taking a VP job in Toronto. Were the Twins not asking him to interview for the POBO job, or is being second in command in Toronto more attractive to being the top dog in Minnesota?

[Otto von Ballpark]

 

So Cherington is taking a VP job in Toronto. Were the Twins not asking him to interview for the POBO job, or is being second in command in Toronto more attractive to being the top dog in Minnesota?

Or did we take too long to pursue him?  We probably should have called Cherington even before we fired TR -- back when we decided to tell TR he wouldn't be returning in 2017.  Could have possibly had a more orderly transition too?

[Brock Beauchamp]

 

Or did we take too long to pursue him?  We probably should have called Cherington even before we fired TR -- back when we decided to tell TR he wouldn't be returning in 2017.  Could have possibly had a more orderly transition too?

I'm wondering that as well. If Cherington was already in negotiations with Toronto, he may have declined the interview out of courtesy to the Blue Jays.

 

There are several ways this could have gone and it's disappointing to see a guy like that go off the board when it may have been avoidable.

[Vanimal46]

This organization not moving fast enough to interview quality candidates when they've known for 3 months that TR was being let go makes my head explode. 

[nicksaviking]

 

Or did we take too long to pursue him?  We probably should have called Cherington even before we fired TR -- back when we decided to tell TR he wouldn't be returning in 2017.  Could have possibly had a more orderly transition too?

 

Dang, Cherington wasn't employed by a MLB team at that time so he wasn't listed in any media guides.

 

Seriously though, Pohlad and St Peter can't afford any more mis-steps in this process or the new people who are brought in may viewed with more skepticism than hope, and I sure don't want that. This change is supposed to unite us in optimism.

[Pardon My Dinger]

I say we try and woo Kim Ng.

...Boomstillgotit.