Twins promote Antony

[nicksaviking]

The thing I like most about this is that we are promoting from within, giving this team some much needed stability and proving you don't need recent on-field success to get promoted.

 

This team has nothing but stability. It's had the same old white men in charge for over two decades. I'm not against Anthony getting the job, but only if he's the best candidate. They implied they were doing away with the country club last year, or did that only apply to players? I don't like this, what if a superior external candidate is available and willing to take this job? This isn't a monarchy, this is a capitalistic enterprise, there should not be a line of succession. There needs to be an extensive search for the best possible leader and if it ends up being Anthony, great, I might even cheer for him to get it, but it should not be a given.

[Major League Ready]

Age-wise I think he'd be around average. I'm not excited with him as future GM... seems like Bill Smith 2.0.

 

It takes alot more than articles and interviews to assess relative ability and specific skills sets.

[AlwaysinModeration]

This team has nothing but stability. It's had the same old white men in charge for over two decades. I'm not against Anthony getting the job, but only if he's the best candidate. They implied they were doing away with the country club last year, or did that only apply to players? I don't like this, what if a superior external candidate is available and willing to take this job? This isn't a monarchy, this is a capitalistic enterprise, there should not be a line of succession. There needs to be an extensive search for the best possible leader and if it ends up being Anthony, great, I might even cheer for him to get it, but it should not be a given.

 

There is definitely something to be said for a having extensive experience in an organization. That would definitely be a strong selling point in his application, it can certainly help an individual succeed in a position. However, I agree with the point that Twins do not do a good job of making prominent positions open to a wide range of candidates. And I am concerned that the organization does not necessarily embrace new ideas. I think a more open process for hiring top management would help foster that sort of working environment.

[Thrylos]

T However, I agree with the point that Twins do not do a good job of making prominent positions open to a wide range of candidates..

 

This is not the Twins only. Especially for promotions like the majority of those announced. Those job openings are not advertised, they are not competitive, they are just handed. As far as employers are concerned MLB baseball is stuck in the 40s and 50s. MiLB baseball is better but it is a whole different ballgame there (pun intended.)

 

Positions like GM and Manager are pretty much the only visible ones open for a search (in most clubs) when they are vacant. Other positions like interns and communications people and grounds etc are open. Speaking specifically about baseball operations here. Those positions are handed. Example: The Twins had a new Director of Minor League Operations last off-season. Was that job posted? No. Was that job handed? Yes.

[diehardtwinsfan]

There is definitely something to be said for a having extensive experience in an organization. That would definitely be a strong selling point in his application, it can certainly help an individual succeed in a position. However, I agree with the point that Twins do not do a good job of making prominent positions open to a wide range of candidates. And I am concerned that the organization does not necessarily embrace new ideas. I think a more open process for hiring top management would help foster that sort of working environment.

 

This is a tough balancing act, no question about it. I've worked for orgs that had no problems firing people and bringing in new talent, and I've worked for orgs that we would call inbred. Both extremes have their pros and cons.

[jharaldson]

Correct for a lot of those (same job, fatter title) but here is Antony's new role from the press release. What I have in bold are new responsibilities:

 

Rob Antony joined the Twins organization in 1988 and has served as the team's Assistant General Manager since 2007. In his role as Vice President, Assistant General Manager, Antony will be responsible for major league contracts, including arbitration; the evaluation of major and minor league players; and day-to-day oversight of the club's video, baseball analytics and baseball communications departments. Prior to being named Assistant General Manager, Antony worked as Director, Baseball Operations (1995-2007); Director, Media Relations (1991-1995); and Assistant Director, Media Relations (1988-1991). A Minneapolis native and graduate of the University of Minnesota, Antony and his wife Lynn have two children and reside in Plymouth, Minn.

 

He used to be responsible for contracts. This whole player evaluation and personnel decisions used to be under Radcliff as VP of player personnel; the rest (analytics, video, communications) used to be directly under TR. Not sure how that will play out...

 

Then this has to be a demotion or sidelining of Radcliffe. How can you be VP of player personnel and not have authority to evaluate the personnel?

[Thrylos]

Then this has to be a demotion or sidelining of Radcliffe. How can you be VP of player personnel and not have authority to evaluate the personnel?

 

Not necessarily. Antony might be Radcliff's new boss (instead of TR), as it looks like he is Goin's, Steil's, Morse's and likely Johnson's. Simple.

[JB_Iowa]

Then this has to be a demotion or sidelining of Radcliffe. How can you be VP of player personnel and not have authority to evaluate the personnel?

 

I'm not convinced that Radcliff wanted to move up to a GM job. There was a story in the last couple of years that the Twins had denied other clubs the right to interview Radcliffe.

 

Even at the time, I thought that had to be Radcliff's choice. It just didn't seem like TR or the organization were the type to deny someone the opportunity to move up to a different job if the person really wanted it.

 

This is from a Gleeman column on November 14, 2011:

 

Days before firing Smith the Twins denied the Orioles permission to interview vice president of player personnel Mike Radcliff for their GM opening, but several sources have suggested that was more about Radcliff's lack of interest in the job than anything else. Radcliff was the Twins' longtime scouting director prior to switching roles when Smith replaced Ryan in 2007 and is a big part of the organization, although Ryan admitted Radcliff was "spread too thin" recently.

 

http://aarongleeman.com/tag/mike-radcliff/

 

Radcliff comes from a scouting background just as Terry Ryan did. Maybe he has made a decision that he doesn't want all the business-type responsibilities that go along with a GM job.

 

He's also been around the organization for a long time. I can't find his age but I think he may be just a little older than TR. Maybe he's pointing toward retirement and moving some of his duties helps facilitate that.

 

(Note, I did find that it says he joined the major league scouting bureau in 1982 so he may not be older than Terry Ryan but he is probably in his 50's and maybe late 50's).

[jokin]

Shouldnt Bill Smith get credit for Buxton? He got the blame for the horrible season , giving the Twins the 2nd overall pick...

 

And he has to get all the credit for Sano. I'm curious when people give all the credit to this "foundation of prospects" knocking on the door at Ryan's footsteps- Buxton was clearly the BPA- good for Ryan, but it was low-hanging fruit- and no credit to Smith ( who always drafted from well-down from the top of the pool):

 

Here're more drafted/signed during Smith's era:

 

Brian Dozier

Aaron Hicks

Kyle Gibson

Chris Hermann

 

Propsects (w/ Seth's rating):

 

#2 Miguel Sano

#5 Eddie Rosario

#6 Jorge Palanco

#8 Max Kepler

#12 Travis Harrison

#15 Danny Santana

#20 Niko Goodrum

#25 Michael Tonkin

[johnnydakota]

You don't give raises from profit, bonuses yes, raises no.

 

Antony seems like a sharp enough guy, probably deserves a raise, I'm happy for him.

 

your paycheck comes directly from profits, if not the company has to barrow to meet payroll

[jokin]

Was the Houston Astros being led by said creature?

 

They drafted out of need and defied the consensus pick of who the actual BPA was.

[drivlikejehu]

It takes alot more than articles and interviews to assess relative ability and specific skills sets.

 

I didn't "assess" his "specific skill sets." We don't have enough to go on. If that ended all conversation, this board and all the ones like it would close immediately.

 

We do know that he's another Twins lifer who started as a PR intern and has spent the bulk of his career in that department. We know that, at last check, he was ignorant of common baseball statistics. Has he shown a particular gift for negotiating contracts? I see no evidence of it.

 

The Twins' insular culture is interesting in the context of Coase-inspired firm theory- there is no objective or empirical justification for it. The only plausible reason a firm would behave this way is to protect mediocrity, which to the outside world is justified as "loyalty."

[maxisagod]

They drafted out of need and defied the consensus pick of who the actual BPA was.

 

Are you refer to Appel or Buxton? As I recall there wasn't a consensus.

[old nurse]

They drafted out of need and defied the consensus pick of who the actual BPA was.

 

Jokin couldn't see I was joking

[ashbury]

Jokin couldn't see I was joking

 

Moderator's note: I guess I was too subtle with my earlier post in this thread. Please take discussion of the 2012 draft to a more appropriate thread, unless it involves Rob Antony.

[notoriousgod71]

This team has nothing but stability. It's had the same old white men in charge for over two decades. I'm not against Anthony getting the job, but only if he's the best candidate. They implied they were doing away with the country club last year, or did that only apply to players? I don't like this, what if a superior external candidate is available and willing to take this job? This isn't a monarchy, this is a capitalistic enterprise, there should not be a line of succession. There needs to be an extensive search for the best possible leader and if it ends up being Anthony, great, I might even cheer for him to get it, but it should not be a given.

 

Sarcasm!

[Major League Ready]

I didn't "assess" his "specific skill sets." We don't have enough to go on. If that ended all conversation, this board and all the ones like it would close immediately.

 

We do know that he's another Twins lifer who started as a PR intern and has spent the bulk of his career in that department. We know that, at last check, he was ignorant of common baseball statistics. Has he shown a particular gift for negotiating contracts? I see no evidence of it.

 

The Twins' insular culture is interesting in the context of Coase-inspired firm theory- there is no objective or empirical justification for it. The only plausible reason a firm would behave this way is to protect mediocrity, which to the outside world is justified as "loyalty."

 

I don't know how you can evaluate his negotiating skils. I have negotiated hundreds of multi mullion dollar contracts I could not possibly assess his negotiating skills without being present on several occassions. In 20 years of management consulting I have worked with many truly talented people. However, I have never seen someone with the requsitite skills set to make such an assessment assume to understand someone's ability with so little information.

 

I am pretty sure it would violate TD policy if I were to assess your competency. You have to love the irony.

[drivlikejehu]

I don't know how you can evaluate his negotiating skils. I have negotiated hundreds of multi mullion dollar contracts I could not possibly assess his negotiating skills without being present on several occassions. In 20 years of management consulting I have worked with many truly talented people. However, I have never seen someone with the requsitite skills set to make such an assessment assume to understand someone's ability with so little information.

 

I am pretty sure it would violate TD policy if I were to assess your competency. You have to love the irony.

 

Well that's actually not a correct understanding of "irony," but it's moot to begin with: I never assessed his competency. In fact, I quite specifically said I was unable to do so.

 

Is misconstruing posts a violation of TD policy?

[clutterheart]

Would an outside candidate for GM even be able to succeed in the Twins org? That FO has to be so damn insular, full of guys who came up together and trust eachother. An outside GM would get steam rolled by the ol' boys club that likely dominates that office.

[ashbury]

I am pretty sure it would violate TD policy if I were to assess your competency. You have to love the irony.

 

I am pretty sure that saying something without actually saying it still counts as a violation. Please knock it off. Rule of thumb, if you think you're close to the line, you probably are.

[amjgt]

I don't know how you can evaluate his negotiating skils. I have negotiated hundreds of multi mullion dollar contracts I could not possibly assess his negotiating skills without being present on several occassions. In 20 years of management consulting I have worked with many truly talented people. However, I have never seen someone with the requsitite skills set to make such an assessment assume to understand someone's ability with so little information.

 

I am pretty sure it would violate TD policy if I were to assess your competency. You have to love the irony.

 

It's like R-AAA-AAA-AA-AIN, on your wedding day.

A free rii-i-ii-i-ide when you're already late

[diehardtwinsfan]

It's like R-AAA-AAA-AA-AIN, on your wedding day.

A free rii-i-ii-i-ide when you're already late

 

I might have to issue an infraction just for putting that song in my head

[IdahoPilgrim]

Would an outside candidate for GM even be able to succeed in the Twins org? That FO has to be so damn insular, full of guys who came up together and trust eachother. An outside GM would get steam rolled by the ol' boys club that likely dominates that office.

 

Depends on the outside GM and his or her skill sets. Happens all the time in the corporate world. The trick is knowing how to enter a system without being corrupted by the system, then you can change it from within. That's what I do in my field as well. And, yes, it does take time to effect lasting change, but it can be done.

[Mike Sixel]

Could have been such a nice opportunity to congratulate a man on a promotion. There are likely years of opportunity to assess the job he does. I'm bummed this community couldn't take the chance to just say congratulations to the man.

[tobi0040]

I won't give Ryan a ton of credit for picking Buxton because he was coveted by most organizations.

 

But let's not pretend that there were no questions surrounding him out of high school. He played in the sticks; there were questions about competition level and whether it was masking some inherent flaws in him as a player. Plus, playing out in the sticks meant that scouting on him was light compared to his relative talent level.

 

Given the Twins situation at the time (no pitching depth in the system), I don't think Buxton was no-brainer. The next three draft picks were a catcher that ripped up the minors and was in the majors in one year, and two pitchers that project very well (all needs). Many boards had Appel as the #1 guy on their boards as well, although he had signability concerns. So they took the best guy on their board over many glaring needs, that should be praised.

[cmathewson]

I thought this thread was about Antony, and all I see is stuff about the draft, which Antony had almost nothing to do with. He's the guy who works with the scouts to identify potential FA signings and trade targets. He then works on contracts and stuff when they get interested parties together.

 

His tenure in this position started when Ryan first retired and BS was promoted to GM. Antony identified guys like Mike Lamb and advised BS to use our best trade chips to acquire the likes of Delmon Young. A rough start if there ever was one.

 

But he's learned from his failures, and grown much faster since Ryan has taken him under his wing. He's even learned a bit of statistical analysis, though not as much as I would like. If he is the heir apparent, I hope they give Ryan a couple more years to mentor him before giving him the tiller.

[Heimer]

I like GMs with scouting background not management.

[TRex]

I have never had a problem with the In-House-Promotion style of the Twins, and I am not in favor of replacing anyone at this moment. I think they have done an exemplary job of hiring dependable, stand-up people and have built an effective, close-knit community. However...

 

It just dawned on me (perhaps it has been on others minds for some time) that the Twins have somewhat painted themselves into a corner. If they go for an outside hire at GM, that person will undoubtedly want to surround themselves with their own people, and so the Pohlads will, in effect, be firing dozens of people they care deeply about. That has to be a heart-wrenching amount of inertia to overcome.

 

Oops, I meant "Congratulations Mr. Antony on your recent promotion"!

[Blackjack]

I like GMs with scouting background not management.

 

My thoughts exactly as I was reading thru this thread. A very visable portion of a GM's job is making trades, an ex-scout will know more about players than a person that has risen thru the business side of the company. Look no further than Bill Smith.

[Blackjack]

Could have been such a nice opportunity to congratulate a man on a promotion. There are likely years of opportunity to assess the job he does. I'm bummed this community couldn't take the chance to just say congratulations to the man.