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Thanks SD Buhr. That was the best chuckle I've had in a month.

Interesting letter and well-thought out from the view of a "Loyal Twins Fan." And that is where I think the disconnect comes regard support. IMO casual fans get excited about winning, not "splashes." Loyal fans like the splashes b/c we are looking beyond and see the potential. Using KC as model for this year's activity may not equate to the Twins current situation. IIRC, KC had much of their core playing. Timing is so important and am not sure if this is the time for a bold move - unless it fits into a 3-5 year plan.

Regarding some of the people that were not considered may be the result of 2 things. First, if a coach is under contract with another club, the Twins may not have gotten permission to contact them. Maybe that team may have there own ideas - as SD Buhr suggests on Martinez. Second, other candidates were likely crossed off the list before they got to the interview because it was determined that they would not be a fit, either from the resume or knowledge of the person. Example would be Ozzie Guillen. This we do not, and likely never will, know. It would be good to get this over and to see the staff assembled. It looks like it is very close. I agree with tobi0040 as my choice. Lovullo, Molitor, then Mientkiewicz.

Very interesting comments. Thank you all. I am on the fence with Kepler. But I think it has to do with timing, like life. He was signed as a young international FA who had lots of talent but not a lot of baseball background, being from Germany. It takes time and that is one thing that may likely run out on him.

Mostly agree with your plan. Having Masterson on the staff shouldn't create too much of a problem. Likely someone will go on the DL or be ineffective. Plus Masterson is a ground ball pitcher IIRC, which would take advantage a better defensive infield vs. the outfield. Totally agree on Arcia. Let's see if the new coaching staff can help improve this young man's defense this year. For CF & LF, I'd used a rotation of Santana, Hicks, and Schafer in center and Hicks, Schafer, Parmelee, or Nunez (or whomever) in left with Ortiz in AAA, if needed. Give Santana about half of his games at short and the other half at center, until either Rosario or Buxton comes up. And they either need Pinto to start in AAA to refine his defense or play him 40-50% of the time in ML.

I did not intend to derail this thread or insult the intelligence of many of you. But my response was to H2Oface's contention that the process is dragging on. It sounded as though there was a lack of understanding how the process works. In the end Old Nurse probably has it right.

Well, now I'm not so sure!!

Hiring a new manager is not a simple and quick process - much more than going to Best Buy for the new latest phone. Several factors come into play. 1.) The SEARCH Phase. Most companies of any size hire a search agency to identify potential candidates to target. I don't know for sure, but I would guess the MLB assists the clubs in that regard. With all the coaches and managers, in and out of baseball, where do you start? That's where that assistance comes in to play. 1a.) Within the search process, an agency or the organization itself will develop a criteria of the type of manager they would desire. It might identify experience as a manager, for example, or experience with different clubs or in different positions. There are usually several characteristics that are identified - sometimes are prioritized. 2.) DUE DILIGENCE Phase. This is where resumes are evaluated, backgrounds are checked, and individuals are identified as worthy (acceptable) candidates for the organization. 3.) The INTERVIEW Phase. This is the phase the Twins are in now. Their list of candidates has been established and now they are being interviewed. Some will garner additional contacts, some won't. The problem the Twins may have had is that a candidate was still in post-season play 4.) The SELECTION Phase. Usually from the list of interviews, candidates are discussed and ranked to preference, with their strengths and weaknesses. If there is not an individual that rises to the top, they may conduct additional interviews of the finalists or start the process over until one is selected. To do a proper and effective job, these steps cannot be rushed. This is an important hire and you need to take care in doing it right. Patience is important and usually is rewarded.

You can call going to the WS a crap shoot or whatever, but it is very simple. The Royals are 'hot.' That is the point of post-season play, it is not the team on paper that is important - it is the team that is playing good baseball, or should I say better baseball than their opponent. Maybe the Royals are probably playing a bit over their head, but they are playing excellent baseball. Maybe the baseball gods are in line this year. Any given tournament usually finds an some team that hits a hot streak. Should we be surprised?

Great Article, Nick. Would it have gone against their philosophy to give us the following: We are at a point that some things are starting to come together, but there is quite a ways to go yet. We have good players coming up and they will need the experience. While I don't believe free agency will bring us to a playoff team, yet, we have the funds available to improve our team so that we can become one.

Parker - really great article. Can you verify this or not ? Recently I read that one ML team has no statistical department. Can't remember the team but Seattle or Arizona come to mind. That is surprising since there has been so much Twins bashing on how slow and behind they have been in that department. It sounds like it was Gardy and not his coaches that was reluctant. IMO the next manager will readily use statistics.

It is only Gardy that has the control on the bold comments and that is why I hope like many others the next manager is willing to incorporate these statistics. Regarding Ryan, his comments that he uses Goin when necessary indicates to me that he does incorporate statistics into his work.

Spycake, I wasn't responding to your post, but in general with some previous posts about how easy some think it is to grab so & so. Generally, I agree that TR has more work to do in the FA market, especially the international one. He does seem a bit tentative with those FA. Did Nishi sour them? Any FA signing is a risk. You are basically paying on the past performance and gambling that there is a reasonable chance that will continue. Bad things can happen. Still, I feel like the Twins (TR) still haven't totally grasped the new revenue flow available to them. Last year looks like a start, but more must be done. It really comes down to a balanced approach - bringing in the young studs, inside and outside the organization; while finding upgrades in some areas with veteran FA's. There are limits on FA contracts though, both in years and $'s.

Are we playing a board game here? It sounds so easy to just get certain guys that are or were out there, like Abreau or Puig or anyother player. It's not because there are so many factors involved. And where is the proof that Ryan didn't go after some of these players. But we'll never know, will we, until he writes his memoirs. There is obviously a giant dislike of TR and/or what he has NOT accomplished which is your justification to have him fired. Fine. The rest of us aren't there yet. But trying to convince us with 20/20 hindsight is well, IMHO, short-sighted.

Thanks denim. It is usually standard procedure that incoming CEO/management bring in those that they want to support them. It is my hope that some of the current coaches or those in the system are given due consideration. I think a blend of inside and out makes for a quicker and more seamless transition Certainly as Goulik says, either they're good coaches or they aren't.

I get frustrated hearing about how the Twins need to replace everyone, or nearly all, with the outside people. That ignores the attributes of those within the organization. Surely there must be some bright people in this organization considering the success for the previous decade. The Twins have been bringing people from other organizations, mostly into the minor league system. And they all are not Minnesota natives. They just purged Gardy, so likely, we will see a change in managerial leadership and direction. I hope that it is more substantial than subtle. But to suggest that some of the newer guys on staff (Cuellar & Bruno) and many in the minors cannot do the job is flawed. I have had the opportunity to interview and hire people in similar capacities and you just don't tear it it down and start over. If one's organization is generally strong but has some defined weaknesses you look for people that can enhance those strengths while at the same time improve the weakness. And that means getting the right person where ever he's from. I don't much care who is hired as manager, but I do care that he has a solid idea on the direction he would like take this team, on the field, and the type of assistants that surround. He needs to understand the dynamics of the current roster and player system. Good insiders can help with that. And he needs to be able to communicate freely with TR. And I also want the FO and new manager to be on the same page for the future. Get someone like that and I'd be thrilled. But I will only judge him after he's be on the job a year or more.

Well, this certainly woke me up. It is an interesting angle. However, I tend to side on the "let's see what we have by April 2015" first. I am all for pushing these 2 b/c I believe they are elite players. Their make-up seems to indicate thaey strive when challenged. Some players just don't have the self-confidence in their abilities to be "thrown to the wolves." Buxton and Sano believe in their abilities. I do think a month or two, especially for Buxton, in AA would be wise, however. As with Sano, He seems ready or so close that ML would not swallow him. Spring training should be a good guide for him. BUT (my wife hates that word!), it is the mental part that worries me - that is, with both of them losing some much time, do they try to make up the time or do they just go about their business. I worry more about that then having to adjust to better competition and struggle through the learning curve. Still I will be disappointed, barring injury, if both aren't on the roster by June 1.

Are you really serious?

We certainly don't know what the management has its priorities in a coach, but I would think that stability in the managers chair is near the top as well as getting the best out of the players. We know that PM is an excellent teacher and DM brings that fire.. My concern though is that 'fire' could be a detriment, ala Ozzie Guillen. Along that same line of thinking, Mientkiewicz still could use a bit more honing. I have enough questions that I would like to see more of him before I'd select him as the next manager.

I have not been a lead cheerleader for Molitor, nor has he been my favorite. However I agree that some of his attributes have been downplayed. First, I think one cannot overlooked the HOF credentials he brings. That gives a level of accomplishment that should, and does, bring immediate attention to young players. Being a HOFer brings a respect that seems make it easier to listen and learn from one of the best, especially someone that humble and accessible. Another example of such would be Rod Carew. Second and probably less significant, Mollie has also seen baseball outside of MN, having played in Milwaukee and Toronto. Mient does have more of that in a shorter career. Actually, I am starting warm more toward Molitor and less for Mientkiewicz.

Seth I think you did a great job identifying the candidates. My choices in no particular order are Steinback, McEwing, or Mauer. My only negative of Mauer is that he has spent his career in the Twins organization. I think it would be extremely helpful to have at least spent some time outside the Twins organization. Still, it all depends on 'whether that individual has a vision for the future while still be able to address current short comings. Mauer does bring a youthfulness to the position. The interviews and previous experiences are important. Any potential candidate needs to match the club's direction. I am open and will wait to pass judgment. Someone younger would likely bring a new and fresh approach to the position. Regardless of the final decision, I believe that any of the candidates listed represent a change. That, in and of itself, should be considered as progress.

Had a feeling this morning there would be news from the Twins. Have mixed emotions but I do believe there could be no other alternative at this point. I have enjoyed many of the thoughts and well wishes expressed here. I also think we should celebrate the class that the Twins and Gardy show. Regarding the next manager - I probably tend to side with internal candidates vs. outside ones. That is if the internal ones have experienced ML baseball outside of the Twins domain within the last 5-6 years. Being familiar with the cast of characters is an advantage. But it is also important that one has experienced how others operate. Bottomline - get the best manager available and preferrably someone that has a new perspective. Don't want any retreads. I will be satisfied with whomever, in or out, as long as they understand that this team is going to be primarily young with potential. Improve the weaknesses and maintain the strengths. I also hope that somehow Molitor, Steinback, Cuellar, and Brunasnky are involved or people with similar skills.

Great read. I sincerely agree action ike this is desperately needed. One can nitpick the specifics, but the fact is, something relevant must take place. Thanks for a well thought out proposal. I sure hope that Mr. Polhad sees it it.

It is unfortunate that the rain came. However, how would we view the situation if he had this game in May and he finished the game today with a complete game still being a 1/3 inning short. Would we still be so giving of a half million dollars? if that is the case, you create an environment and precedent for challenges of every contract bonus fulfillment. A contract is a contract and one needs to live by it. Even a donation becomes suspect and challengable on future player contracts. One must live by the rules as are set and agreed to both parties.

Couple of random thoughts. First, the punishment metted to various athletes charged with certain crimes should be handle consistently. Why is it so difficult to be consistent? I don't care if it is murder or DUI, the fact that a charge has been brought against you should be enough to warrant the same response from any sports league. That would be at least inactive status until the judicial process is resolve. This eliminates trying to decide who should or shouldn't be punished. You break the low you are suspended from playing, period. Then let due process take its course. I would venture to say that our pro athletes may take a more conscience approach to their life style. Keep in mind that #1 is my tenet, but regarding the corporal punishment issue that is a separate discussion. I am not condoning what Peterson did. But I will say that sometimes in certain instances a swat on the backside is the only thing left to do. It happened to me and my wife had to pick out her own switch. Neither of us used that as a our preferred punishment. Did I spank my kids? Yes. However, if it is used as the primary correction tool that that parent needs some help. Again this is a whole different issue. I still say that AP should be suspended from play. He has charges against. It doesn't matter what I think of corporate punishment. Finally. If everyone is treated the same when charges are filed there should be no issue of what to do. They are no longer available to pursue their career until the charges are judicated.