Berardino: "No contact" between Twins & Maddon

[Nick Nelson]

Via Mike Berardino of the Pioneer Press:

 

According to a person with direct knowledge, there has been “zero contact” between the Twins and the Maddon camp since the former Tampa Bay Rays manager opted out of his contract on Friday.

 

“There has been no contact — at all,” the source emphasized.

 

Full article: http://blogs.twincities.com/twins/2014/10/28/twinsights-contact-twins-joe-maddon-source-says/

 

I certainly never expected the Twins to land Maddon, but if this report is true... man is it disappointing. Minnesota's the only team with a managerial opening, (arguably) the best manager in the game suddenly becomes available, and not even an exploratory phone call?

 

If the reason postulated by Berardino's source is accurate, that's especially dispiriting:

 

"I think they realize Joe is not in their budget,” said a source close to Maddon.

 

I know the Twins are already paying Gardenhire for next year. I know it's probably kind of tough to justify anything in the neighborhood of $5 million annually for someone who affects W/L record as little as a manager. But the Twins are one of the lowest-spending teams in the majors, and if they won't even entertain the idea of bringing in a high-end manager like Maddon when the opportunity jumps out, it sure seems like they're operating as a small-market team, which is irksome.

 

What do you think? Since it was so unlikely to happen, does it even matter? 

[USAFChief]

What bothers me is the "it was so unlikely to happen" part.

 

Both from the Twins side and from Madden's side.

 

The Twins yet again think small instead of big, and Madden apparently isn't even interested enough in the only currently available job to have his agent pick up the phone and ask TR if he'd heard the news.

[JB_Iowa]

Sigh....failure to even inquire while still in the interview process (Lovullo had yet to have his second interview) is just a slap in the face to Twins fans.  You'd think they would at least go through the motions.

[Highabove]

The Twins would get back some of the extra money paid to Maddon. 

Excitement, publicity and marketing would bring in extra money. Maddon is also a big community Guy.

The Twins are so short sighted.

[Riverbrian]

If the report is accurate and money was the reason that Maddon wasn't contacted.

 

I would feel comfortable saying that this decision lacks the foresight that God gave to a deck of playing cards.

[Hosken Bombo Disco]

"I think they realize Joe is not in their budget,” said a source close to Maddon.

 

 

Pohlad: "I'm just trying to run a baseball team and feed my family at the same time."

 

Ryan: "I've wanted Molitor to manage this team for 15 years, ain't backin' down now.."

 

St. Peter: "If more of you stinkin' fans had come to more games, then maybe we would be in position to afford a guy like Maddon?"

 

Jack Goin: 

[jokin]

Pohlad: "I'm just trying to run a baseball team and feed my family at the same time."

 

Ryan: "I've wanted Molitor to manage this team for 15 years, ain't backin' down now.."

 

St. Peter: "If more of you stinkin' fans had come to more games, then maybe we would be in position to afford a guy like Maddon?"

 

Jack Goin: 

 

It's gonna be hard to beat "THIS" for Thread Winner. 

[righty8383]

For the 1st time ever I can honestly say that my disdain for the people that run the Twins outweighs my love for the team itself. Maybe I'm just not the diehard Twins fan that I thought I was, but I'm finding it harder and harder to even maintain interest in this team.

[Bark's Lounge]

I did not hold out any hope that Maddon would be our next manager and I will sleep okay at night... it is what it is.

 

But, it is a quote like this from Terry Ryan via Mike Berardino of the Pioneer Press that is very irritating:

 

“It caught my eye, there’s no doubt about that,” Ryan said Friday evening. “This is a pretty big opt-out. When I saw it, I was surprised, but it’s certainly caught my eye.”

 

Are the Twins interested in pursuing the 60-year-old Renaissance man who led the Rays to 90-plus wins five times in the past seven seasons?

 

“I certainly will do my due diligence on anybody that’s available,” Ryan said. “Everybody was hoping I would hurry up and get a manager: ‘What’s taking so long.’ Now everybody sees this.”

 

I don't like being lied to and that last line in bold seems like a smoke and mirrors lie and the worst part of it is that Ryan spins it to cover his own ass for taking too long to hire a manager.

 

Are the majority of Twins fans even upset about the time that has elapsed since Gardenhire's dismissal? If they are, I guess I was not aware of it. Pure poppycock I's tells ya!

[howeda7]

If this is true, I'm disgusted with Jim Pohlad, disgusted with Dave St. Peter for having no balls to stand up to Jim Pohlad and disgusted with Terry Ryan for lying and having no balls to stand up to Jim Pohlad. And if either of them did, he'd back down. Dysfunction all the way down.

[jokin]

I did not hold out any hope that Maddon would be our next manager and I will sleep okay at night... it is what it is.

 

But, it is a quote like this from Terry Ryan via Mike Berardino of the Pioneer Press that is very irritating:

 

“It caught my eye, there’s no doubt about that,” Ryan said Friday evening. “This is a pretty big opt-out. When I saw it, I was surprised, but it’s certainly caught my eye.”

 

Are the Twins interested in pursuing the 60-year-old Renaissance man who led the Rays to 90-plus wins five times in the past seven seasons?

 

“I certainly will do my due diligence on anybody that’s available,” Ryan said. “Everybody was hoping I would hurry up and get a manager: ‘What’s taking so long.’ Now everybody sees this.”

 

I don't like being lied to and that last line in bold seems like a smoke and mirrors lie and the worst part of it is that Ryan spins it to cover his own ass for taking too long to hire a manager.

 

Are the majority of Twins fans even upset about the time that has elapsed since Gardenhire's dismissal? If they are, I guess I was not aware of it. Pure poppycock I's tells ya!

 

Well said, Bark. This new-look, wait-in-the-bushes, promise-to-hold-the-line on payroll approach is going to be a veritable boon to season ticket sales!!!

 

Last one to leave the game in TF in 2015, remember to flip off the light, and Twins management if you think of it.

[TheLeviathan]

It's kind of sad to hear a "source close to Madden" basically say that the perception of others is that the Twins are a bunch of cheapskates who aren't even in the conversation.

 

Even more sad that it may be accurate.

[jokin]

It's kind of sad to hear a "source close to Madden" basically say that the perception of others is that the Twins are a bunch of cheapskates who aren't even in the conversation.

 

Even more sad that it may be accurate.

 

Even more sad that Terry Ryan and Jim Pohlad had the perfect opportunity to put that perception to rest once and for all and send a positive message- they are the only team currently bidding for a manager's services.  They have a free shot to put out a very competitive offer- no down side if the Cubs or someone else matches or beats it.  

[Major League Ready]

First, wow do you guys speculate.  I realize this is the nature of this type of site but to get this bent about what "a source" says is a bit much.  How about if we wait and see what is really going on.  Who really knows what is going on.  The agent, The Twins FO and maybe Maddon.   Also, Maddon has an agent.  What does it say about Maddon's  interest in managing this team if his agent does not bother to call the only team with a managerial opening.  That knife cuts both ways.

[JB_Iowa]

First, wow do you guys speculate.  I realize this is the nature of this type of site but to get this bent about what "a source" says.  Also, Maddon has an agent.  What does it say about his agent and Maddon's  interest in managing this team if his agent does not bother to call the only team with a managerial opening.

 

Not a darn thing.  15 other teams have reached out to Maddon's agent plus medoa opportunities.  Why should they have to contact the Twins?

 

The ball was in TR's & Pohlad's court.

[jokin]

Not a darn thing.  15 other teams have reached out to Maddon's agent plus medoa opportunities.  Why should they have to contact the Twins?

 

The ball was in TR's & Pohlad's court.

 

Bingo!  +1

[Coreygoeltl]

I would like for the twins to get Maddon but I don't think the twins want to spend a lot of money on a manger so I think they will just get moliter , doggie baseball or Lovullo

[Highabove]

It would be nice if someone in the main stream media asked Ryan point blank (Did you contact Joe Maddon's people and if not why?) It might be to much to ask since Press Box bathroom privileges might be at stake.

[USAFChief]

First, wow do you guys speculate.  I realize this is the nature of this type of site but to get this bent about what "a source" says is a bit much.  How about if we wait and see what is really going on.  Who really knows what is going on.  The agent, The Twins FO and maybe Maddon.   Also, Maddon has an agent.  What does it say about Maddon's  interest in managing this team if his agent does not bother to call the only team with a managerial opening.  That knife cuts both ways.

I happen to agree, it does say something if Madden isn't even interested in a look see at the only open job.

 

And it doesn't say anything good about at least one well respected person's opinion of the Twins organization.

[DocBauer]

I have tremendous respect for Maddon. I think he'd be a great hire. His management of the smaller market/payroll Rays would seem to make him an ideal fit for the Twins. And by no means would I excuse Ryan, St Peter or Pohlad to dismiss him in any way. But just for the sake of arguement, can I play devils advocate for a moment?

 

We don't always know what takes place in meetings and conversations behind the scenes. Is it possible Ryan and the others already know from previous conversations that Maddon had no interest in making a move to a team like the Twins? (Rebuilding, mid-market, etc). Is it possible the Twins, interviewing their list of candidates, whittling it down, already knew the 60 yo Maddon had his sites set on Chicago or a similar market and team?

 

I find the timing of his exodus curious, as well as the manner of it. I'm not saying there have indeed been covert, under the table conversations between Maddon and his party, but couldn't there have at least been, "what if" proposals put in place already?

[USAFChief]

I have tremendous respect for Maddon. I think he'd be a great hire. His management of the smaller market/payroll Rays would seem to make him an ideal fit for the Twins. And by no means would I excuse Ryan, St Peter or Pohlad to dismiss him in any way. But just for the sake of arguement, can I play devils advocate for a moment?

We don't always know what takes place in meetings and conversations behind the scenes. Is it possible Ryan and the others already know from previous conversations that Maddon had no interest in making a move to a team like the Twins? (Rebuilding, mid-market, etc). Is it possible the Twins, interviewing their list of candidates, whittling it down, already knew the 60 yo Maddon had his sites set on Chicago or a similar market and team?

I find the timing of his exodus curious, as well as the manner of it. I'm not saying there have indeed been covert, under the table conversations between Maddon and his party, but couldn't there have at least been, "what if" proposals put in place already?

If so, that would constitute tampering, no?

 

Also, according to published reports, the opt out chance came as a surprise to even Madden, so I am at a loss to think of a scenario where the Twins knew ahead of time that Madden would opt out, and that they had already determined he isn't interested. How would that have played out?

[TheLeviathan]

If so, that would constitute tampering, no?

 

Also, according to published reports, the opt out chance came as a surprise to even Madden, so I am at a loss to think of a scenario where the Twins knew ahead of time that Madden would opt out, and that they had already determined he isn't interested. How would that have played out?

 

Telepathy.

[PseudoSABR]

I get the frustration of not seriously pursuing what seems to be the best option for what is the only current opening for manager.  But how seriously must the Twins pursue Maddon if they know he's asking for more than what they value/price a managers' impact on the game? I imagine Maddon's pricetag would be one of the initial points of contact; so any contact that would have been made may not trickle down to potential sources.  Similarly, if Maddon simply had declined to pursue the job, such contact would probably not trickle down beyond some primary sources.  I think both these things were obviously pretty clear without the need for much more than minimal contact.  

 

For the Twins and Maddon to pursue the interview process would leave essential questions of potential pay and competitive likelihood for after the interview; neither party would waste each others' time.  While the Twins farmsystem is great and the front office is Minnesota nice, that probably doesn't have much play for a guy who just left a plucky losing club (oh, and where he left a legacy).

 

I was even guilty of entertaining the notion of Maddon coming to the Twins, but that conclusion was more delusion than logic. 

[PseudoSABR]

And it doesn't say anything good about at least one well respected person's opinion of the Twins organization.

Maddon is sixty and seeking a huge payday (allegedly).   There's plenty of reasons for Maddon to avoid the Twins without ever needing to evaluate the quality of the organization.   I just don't think Maddon's thinking went that far.  

[USAFChief]

Maddon is sixty and seeking a huge payday (allegedly).   There's plenty of reasons for Maddon to avoid the Twins without ever needing to evaluate the quality of the organization.   I just don't think Maddon's thinking went that far.

 

What reasons would there be that don't involve his perception of "the quality of the organization"?

[jokin]

I don't agree with Mackey very often, but he hit this one out of the park:

 

 Mackey:  Are Pohlad and Ryan even remotely curious about Joe Maddon? 

 

 

 

The Twins are Blackberry. They used to be the model organization. Now they're trying to be Samsung.

 

If you were Pohlad and Terry Ryan, wouldn't you be distraught over this? Wouldn't you desperately seek as much knowledge and intelligence as humanly possible to once again become a model franchise - "THE" cool place to be?                                                                                                                                                                                                    

Even if Maddon were likely to say, "No thanks" -- and he probably would -- I'd want to hear him say it while he turns down a multi-million-dollar offer.

 

Devastating.

[Mike Sixel]

I can only go off the data I have.....and this data is bad to me. It reads like the team continues to think small. We may be wrong, but this is the only data we have.

[twinsfan34]

What Jokin said...

 

I would have wanted to heat 'no' under those scenarios.

 

Honestly, I believe we're closer than the Cubs. Unless they can buy an entire pitching staff soon. And keep 3 of their 4 young players from striking out 200+ EACH - they're not necessarily that close to producing. Javier Baez was a .200 hitter and would have struck out 288 times if he played a full season. Nuts.

[jokin]

What Jokin said...

 

I would have wanted to heat 'no' under those scenarios.

 

Honestly, I believe we're closer than the Cubs. Unless they can buy an entire pitching staff soon. And keep 3 of their 4 young players from striking out 200+ EACH - they're not necessarily that close to producing. Javier Baez was a .200 hitter and would have struck out 288 times if he played a full season. Nuts.

 

I cut Pohlad and TR a lot of slack and gave them a lot of credit for:

 

1) finally acknowledging and accepting the reality that it was time to move on from Gardy, et al,

 

2) taking a large amount of time to do a thorough manager search with the idea that we all now were in agreement that it was time to re-invigorate the franchise with a fresh approach from the new on-field guy.

 

But this behavior since Friday, re Maddon, has quickly turned any freshly sweet goodwill into sour antipathy.

[jay]

Why does making a phone call or conducting an interview even matter? Simply to placate people that the Twins were interested?

We're being extremely cynical if we don't think TR has enough information to decide whether that is needed. Disagree with that decision plenty, but all the noise about not calling him is missing the bigger picture.

 

Let's contemplate why TR might not need to have Maddon come in for an interview...

Money is obviously the easiest answer, but might be too lazy. What else might there be? (And his thick glasses don't count as a real answer.)