Nice to have Miller back on a baseball beat. He writes a very comprehensive story about Gardenhire this year, including interviews with Tom Kelly and broaching the subject of Gardenhire's job security with Terry Ryan:

 

"Progress, that's all. Heading in the right direction. Getting this thing turned around again," Ryan said of how Gardenhire will be evaluated. "You can't just put a number on it. It's not .500 or the playoffs -- it's 'Are we improving? Are things beginning to fall into place?'"

 

Gardenhire is highly qualified for latest Twins task | StarTribune.com

"Gardy understands the business. He's accountable," General Manager Terry Ryan said. "When I told him we weren't going to extend him, his immediate response was, 'I don't deserve it.'"

Beyond just the guaranteed salary, though, the lack of a long-term contract is an unmistakable signal: The organization isn't sure you should keep your job.

 

Amen to that

It's a pretty good bet that if Gardy and any of the coaches who are with him leave the Twins for nearly any reason they will be employed again by the 2014 season.