Gardy hired as Special Assistant to the GM.

[Puckett34]

 

So now Gardy is in place to take over as GM when Ryan steps down.

Can't wait. 

[Otto von Ballpark]

 

From Neal: "The longtime coach and manager will be a roving minor league instructor, special assignment scout and carry out special assignments for Ryan.  The role is similar to the one Tom Kelly performed after he stepped down as manager following the 2001 season."

Interesting.  I just had a chance to peruse the Star Tribune baseball preview section, and it included this gem from TK:

 

 

 

Danny Santana was a real find as a 23-year-old rookie in 2014, batting .319 and collecting 41 extra-base hits.

“I’ll be perfectly honest, I thought we were all set, I really did. I thought he would end up being one of the better players in the league, let alone the team,” Kelly said.

That is why we still need conversations about BABIP, and that is why I hope these special assistants/instructors don't have too much influence with the GM.

 

Fortunately, TR seems to be good about filtering/moderating such voices, but it might be trickier if Antony or someone else takes over, either short-term or long-term.

[sane16]

As long as Gardy's responsibilities are limited to:

1) Making sure the boys are getting after it and battling their tails off.

2) Handing out nicknames to the new guys like Sanowy, Buggsy, Murph-ie-y, Rosary, Byungy, Oswaldy, Jepsy, Santany-1 and Santany-2.

3) Greasing the pitchers' fingers, so the ball will come out of their hands easily.

[Otto von Ballpark]

 

But, my recollection is that Gardy was a very good teacher in the minors.

After his playing career, Gardy was only in the minors for 3 seasons, 1988-1990, so it is probably hard to judge.

[SirLoin]

Maybe he's just going to be the Designated Umpire Arguer....  

[Puckett34]

 

After his playing career, Gardy was only in the minors for 3 seasons, 1988-1990, so it is probably hard to judge.

Well, he is a expert in battling one's tail off and Coors Light.

[sane16]

Nick Punto has just been hired as assistant to the assistant to the GM.

Toby-Gardy has just been hired as assistant to the assistant to the assistant to the GM.

The Twins will hold open the position of assistant to the assistant to the assistant to the assistant to the GM, until Gardy's grandson has completed his potty training.

[zchrz]

Per reports Terry Ryan was seen earlier in the day walking out of his office in a ripped open shirt, when questioned about it he simply said "Punto's with him".

[nicksaviking]

I was about to get upset about this until I read his title. He's basically doing what Molitor and Rod Carew did/have done for years from the sound of it.

 

And for everyone who's disappointed about the "Old Boys Club" ramifications, (me included) adding Gardy isn't going to change anything. If they ever make changes at the top, nearly everyone will go, or no one will go. This move isn't going to mean squat.

[rghrbek]

Sigh....

[sane16]

As Gardy's first quote to the Twins-Daily posters who pleaded for his dismissal after the 2014 season:

"Thank you all for this promotion, and 'NEENER-NEENER-NEENER!"

[Mike Sixel]

Well, if he's offering scouting thoughts like "Santana is going to be one of the best in the league", ya, it could be bad....

[HitInAPinch]

 

So now Gardy is in place to take over as GM when Ryan steps down.

Man, that's just plain evil......

 

 

[gunnarthor]

Man, I bet this thread easily overtakes the Joe Benson and Zack Jones threads ...

[Brock Beauchamp]

 

"Assistant GM" -Gardy

 

"Assistant to the GM" -Terry Ryan

[notoriousgod71]

 

Rick Anderson was just hired as the Assistant to the Special Assistant to the GM :-)

 

Ha, said that in the other thread. Sorry to steal your line.

[Vanimal46]

Gardy's going to have a lot of fun teaching:

 

- Davey Murph

- Brandon Kintzy

- Dan Runzly

- Loek van Mily

- Buck Britty 

- Reynaldo Roddy 

- Buddy Boshy 

- Logan Darny 

 

EDIT: And who could forget Darrin Mastroi-ey

[James]

 

As long as Gardy's responsibilities are limited to:

2) Handing out nicknames to the new guys like Sanowy, Buggsy, Murph-ie-y, Rosary, Byungy, Oswaldy, Jepsy, Santany-1 and Santany-2.
 

Sorry sane, but Gardy is much better at giving out nicknames.  Just a few changes I know he'd make:

1. Buggs -> Clearly would be/probably already calls him Bucky

2. Byungy -> What's wrong with going with Parky?

3. Oswaldy -> This one we know from experience as Ozzie.

4. Santany -> I'd have to think Gardy would come up with Ervie all by himself

 

Other than that, well done with the Gardy nick name generation. 

[Pardon My Dinger]

 

 

2. Byungy -> What's wrong with going with Parky?

 

I hope Byungy sticks, personally. 

[DrNeau]

9/30/14: Gardy fired as Twins' Manager

 

4/18/16: Gardy hired as Special Assistant to GM.

 

Makes perfect sense.

 

Here I was getting excited that Mientkiewicz might one day bring a new attitude to this club. Throw that thought out the window...

[twinsnorth49]

[Jerr]

It is hard to get excited over another "in house hire" and I like Gardy, BUT I want NEW blood in this organization!!!!!

[luckylager]

So he's a travelling minor league coach like Tom Kelly. I can't understand this being something to get all bent out of shape over. Gardy wants to keep active in the game and the organization threw him a bone. 

 

[Pius Jefferson]

 

So he's a travelling minor league coach like Tom Kelly. I can't understand this being something to get all bent out of shape over. Gardy wants to keep active in the game and the organization threw him a bone. 

 

There's some smart-asses and there's others who belong on Rube chat.  

[Squirrel]

Please continue discussion in the article thread. Thanks!