Gleeman And The Geek: Should the Twins Make Field Staff Changes?

[John Bonnes]

So should the Twins consider field staff changes, and if so how far should they go? Or should they at least consider replacing some of the MLB staff with the AAA staff?

[beckmt]

TR quoted in Sid's column this morning alluded to a staff change or two. My feeling is that two is the correct number promoting both Bobby Cuellar and Tom Brunansky. This will probably irriate Gardy, but TR was quoted as saying it was his call.

Second note (this seems to indicate that TR expects to continue as GM for at least the next year)

[IdahoPilgrim]

Can we replace the mascot? TC just isn't cutting it anymore. I'm thankful to him for all he's given the franchise in the past, but two consecutive 90-loss seasons demand changes.

[glanzer]

I think Brunansky will be promoted. In my opinion, this fan base would benefit from a little injection of the glory days. Obviously the offense isn't really to blame for the poor season, so too bad for Joe Vavra. I would be shocked if Rick Anderson was among those let go... as horrible as the pitching has been, that's clearly not his fault.

[JB_Iowa]

I think they should be looking outside the organization for some new blood for both the coaching staff and the front office. The "Twins Way" needs some significant updating.

[syves]

I've noticed throughout the last couple years, it seems like Anderson and Gardy have been arguing a lot. Maybe I just noticed it because we're losing (I think we all notice dissension a lot more when there's issues), but I would be unsurprised and upset if Anderson was the one let go. Starting Pitching was lack of skill this year.

 

Brunansky has done a great job at AAA. Hitting hasn't been the problem, and until there is a real youth movement I'm more comfortable with Vavra in the MLB, as he knows the veterans swings.

 

I don't know how changing anyone else would really change the team. I would give everyone one more year.

[Lin]

I would start by getting rid of Gardy. Even back when they were winning and in the play offs Gardy coudn't pull the tigger and get the job done. It's time for a change. TK would be the best move for this team at this time.

[John Bonnes]

I think the problem with keeping Bruno is that there will likely be some job openings in the majors for hitting coaches this year. If the Twins don't promote him, I would think there would be a decent chance of him being hired away.

[DaveW]

I think the problem with keeping Bruno is that there will likely be some job openings in the majors for hitting coaches this year. If the Twins don't promote him, I would think there would be a decent chance of him being hired away.

 

Are we sure about this? I know we like him around these parts, but I'm not so sure Bruno is some hot up and coming coach around the league. Also how many hitting coaches will open? 3-4 at most?

 

Ullger on the other hard seemed to be mentioned in the past for MLB managerial roles, though I bet that shine has all but worn off in the past 2 years.

[Rosterman]

Gardy will lobby for Rick Anderson as Kelly always had Dick Such in his back pocket. Jerry White could easily find a new job anywhere. Scott Ullger needs to go somewhere where he might be a rising star. I don't think he would be heir toi Gardy these days if he stays here. Vavra might be best suited as the minorleague head batting coaxh, something he has done well as in the past, or the bench coach, which is still a hitting coach persay. Steve Liddle may wish to just retire. Stele needs to retire (sadly) and you could even have Cueller come up and do what he did in Pittsburgh, be the bullpen coach. I don't think you have to go outside the organization. And maybe Gladden, Molitor, Frank Viola might wish jobs...who knows. The Twins are pretty darn good with their roving instructors (past Killebrew, current Molitor, Carew, Oliva).

[Willihammer]

The timing is interesting.Guillen, Tracy, VAlentine, Scoscia, Acta all have lost or could lose their jobs. Will the league recycle these guys or go looking for fresh talent?

[DaveW]

I'd gladly bring in Ozzie as a bench coach.

[Thrylos]

I think that there is absolutely no reason for changes. Nothing is broken so why fix it?

 

On the other hand...

 

This team needs wholesale changes starting with Ryan and the front office. Getting rid of a coach or two will not do much for the team. They have to bring in some new blood. If a 99 loss season and a 93-96 loss season following it, is not a reason for change, they will be keeping their heads in the sand saying that "with better fundamentals" and a healthy Baker and Pavano and Capps, this mess of a team would had been a contender. It is not so. About time the tenured positions open up... Pathetic excuses about under performance are getting a tad old