Article: Twins Manager Paul Molitor Fired

[John Bonnes]

USA Today's Bob Nightengale is reporting that Minnesota Twins manager Paul Molitor has been fired and a press conference this afternoon has been scheduled to announce it. Molitor managed the Twins for four seasons, two of which they exceeded expectations and two of which they did not. They finished this year 78-84, a disappointment after making it to the postseason last year with an 85-77 record.The team's 2017 season earned Paul Molitor Manager Of The Year Award honors, and a winner for this last season has not yet been announced, meaning he is still the reigning Manager of the Year. But his position as the Twins manager has been in doubt each of the last three seasons.

 

In 2016, the Twins dismal start led to the dismissal of General Manager Terry Ryan, which would often mean a change in manager as well. But Twins ownership announced that any new GM would need to retain Molitor as manager.

 

Which, of course, meant that questions emerged during the 2017 season as to whether new CBO Derek Falvey and GM Thad Levine would retain Molitor after their inaugural season was over, especially since Molitor's contract would also conclude after the 2017 season. A strong finish in 2017 and the resulting Manager of the Year award convinced both sides to extend the contract through 2020, though the amount of the contract was not announced.

 

This year's disappointing start led to a trade deadline selloff when the Twins were out of the race by mid-summer, but there had been very little speculation that a coaching change was imminent.

 

Comments from the Twins:

 

“I would like to thank Paul for his tremendous dedication to the Minnesota Twins over his last four years as manager of this club,” said Twins Executive Vice President, Chief Baseball Officer Derek Falvey. “Paul’s roots here run deep and his commitment to the organization, his staff, and the players is special. I have every hope and desire that he remains a part of this club for many years to come.”

 

“The importance and contribution of Paul Molitor to the Twins, our community and Major League Baseball cannot be diminished,” said Twins Owner Jim Pohlad. “On behalf of our family, I offer thanks to Paul for his four years as Twins manager and look forward to the continuation of our relationship with him.”

 

Comments from Paul Molitor:

 

“I was informed today that the Twins will seek a new manager for the 2019 season and I fully respect that decision. I will forever be grateful for the opportunity they gave me to serve in the role as manager for these past four years. I’m going to consider their genuine offer to serve in a different capacity to positively impact the Twins from a different role. Special thanks to my coaches and players I have had a chance to manage and I certainly appreciate the tremendous support I received from all of Twins Territory.”

 

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[Vanimal46]

Wonder if they'll promote from within or look elsewhere.

 

I'm only partially kidding with these replacement ideas: Chris Gimenez and Matt Belisle. There must be some reason Falvine keeps bringing them back on their rosters.

[108Stitches]

Not exactly the biggest shocker of the day

[KirbyDome89]

His flaws as a manager were certainly irritating. It felt like the season was building towards this, and I don't really have an issue with the move. That said, Molitor took more heat than he probably deserved, this season especially, and he was the scapegoat for organizational and personnel failings. Such is being a manager I suppose. 

[wsnydes]

 

Wonder if they'll promote from within or look elsewhere.
 

That's what I'm going to find most intriguing about this.  They've been able to evaluate the in-house staff that has been retained and have had their chance to bring in their own people as well.  I think that I still prefer to go outside of the organization, but I'm not as adamantly opposed about it as I was when Molitor was hired. 

[Vanimal46]

His flaws as a manager were certainly irritating. It felt like the season was building towards this, and I don't really have an issue with the move. That said, Molitor took more heat than he probably deserved, this season especially, and he was the scapegoat for organizational and personnel failings. Such is being a manager I suppose.

Agreed. He was getting blamed for things outside of his job duties here on TD most of the season.

 

Oh well, Molitor will be just fine. A new manager is only one step to the equation. It's not going to fix the talent deficiencies on the field.

[Brock Beauchamp]

Whoa. I thought he'd get one more season.

 

Not that I dislike the move, just a bit surprised by it.

[RaymondLuxuryYacht]

Doogie says keep an eye on Brad Mills, Indians bench coach

[Hosken Bombo Disco]

#process

[mickeymental]

i repeat ... joe mauer: player/manager.

[Craig Arko]

i repeat ... joe mauer: player/manager.

Hitting coach for Manager Jake Mauer.

[Strato Guy]

Argueable, Molitor may have managed better this year than last year. With the huge dissapointment of Buxton, Sano, Dozier, Polanco and Morrison and the unloading of assets during the year, losing only 7 more games than the year before was not unexpected in my eyes. Molitor may have had a better year than the front office!

[Respy]

Well, bye Joe Mauer.

[jud6312]

 

His flaws as a manager were certainly irritating. It felt like the season was building towards this, and I don't really have an issue with the move. That said, Molitor took more heat than he probably deserved, this season especially, and he was the scapegoat for organizational and personnel failings. Such is being a manager I suppose. 

 

I guess I really only had two issues with him: questionable bullpen usage and leaning too heavily on his security blanket veterans (Wilson, Belisle, Gimenez) when they're not getting the job done.

 

Some of that is playing with the toys he's given, but some toys got played with way too much.

[Mike Sixel]

Jake Mauer....or outside.....

[wsnydes]

 

Agreed. He was getting blamed for things outside of his job duties here on TD most of the season.

Oh well, Molitor will be just fine. A new manager is only one step to the equation. It's not going to fix the talent deficiencies on the field.

It's also possible that this has little to do with what transpired on the field.  It could be as simple as the FO and Molitor not being on the same page and they decided to go get their own guy.  It's unlikely that we'll really know if that's the case however.

[Old Twins Cap]

Too early to speculate on names but, I suspect the main qualities they are looking for will be:

 

1.  Relationship guy a la Dave Roberts and Joey Cora.

2.  Analytically up to speed, if not adept.

3.  Able to work with young players, maybe even speak Spanish.

4.  Someone who focuses on the process, but holds everyone accountable within the established parameters.

 

This will be very interesting for sure.

 

And, very much needed, IMHO.

[SF Twins Fan]

 

 

 

 

[Mike Sixel]

They have discussed other roles for him.....is that awkward? I'd think that would be awkward....

[Thrylos]

Molitor was playing favorites with his veterans.  Not good for a team that is built primarily on youth.  Good to see him go.

 

I hope that the Twins bing in a younger manager outside the organization who comes with a winning pedigree.

 

Mills is 61.  Fine for a bench coach but too old to relate to 20-30 year olds, not unlike Molitor

[wsnydes]

 

They have discussed other roles for him.....is that awkward? I'd think that would be awkward....

Probably depends on how amicable the situation is. If it was more or less mutual, then maybe there really isn't any animosity.  

[brightside]

Chris Gimenez should he retire will likely get looked at during the interview process. He knows the staff and the team is a club house leader and knows how to call the game. 

 

Sadly, Molitor's dismissal doesn't bode well with the idea of Mauer returning to the Twins org.... in my opinion this probably doesn't sit well at all with Joe and I could see him willing to talk to the Red Sox's or even worse the Yankees (who would probably overpay him for a couple years of steady production and defense at 1B).

 

My heart tells me that this was a sad move, but my brain tells me that in the long run it will make sense. Who knows how much longer Paul would have wanted to manage after his contract ended in 2020. By then we will be in what we all hope to be in the middle of a long run into post season, and making the change now instead of in the midst of a long run makes sense. 

 

Good luck Paul with your new role. Convince Joe to come back for a 2-3 year commit!

[brightside]

 

Well, bye Joe Mauer.

My first thoughts as well.

[Mike Sixel]

 

Probably depends on how amicable the situation is. If it was more or less mutual, then maybe there really isn't any animosity.  

 

I'm thinking more for the new manager....

[Vanimal46]

They have discussed other roles for him.....is that awkward? I'd think that would be awkward....

Very awkward. Just cut the cord. Don't leave him hanging by a thread.

[Clare]

Buck Showalter

[wsnydes]

 

I'm thinking more for the new manager....

ah, perhaps. Though, having just be relieved of his duties I'm not sure how much impact that would have for the new guy. Probably depends a lot on what the new role is and how much he'll be around the big league club. You're probably right though, there is that potential. 

[caninatl04]

… and the re-arranging of the Titanic's deck chairs has begun.

[wsnydes]

 

Very awkward. Just cut the cord. Don't leave him hanging by a thread.

Awkwardness or not, that would have been my preference too. 

 

To me, the awkwardness would be more of a concern for Molitor than anyone.

[Hosken Bombo Disco]

 

They have discussed other roles for him.....is that awkward? I'd think that would be awkward....

Yes very awkward. If so, wouldn't they have let Molitor be part of this announcement himself, to let him save face?