Ryan Steps Down

Today, the Twins scheduled a 2:00 pm press conference to announce a "major announcement" of Terry Ryan stepping down as the Twins General Manager to become the Twins Senior Advisor to the GM. He will hand the reigns over to long-time Assistant GM Bill Smith.

The news is actually very shocking and quite drastic considering the job that he has done as the Twins GM in his 12 seasons. I'm not sure if it's due to the players taking a few potshots at him, which I'm sure where a factor, even if he doesn't admit it.

I have to say that I'm still pretty speechless from the news. It's not that it's going to be that bad, just that it's very surprising to have happen right now. Terry Ryan has made this organization one of the best in all of the league. He has turned us from being the laughing stock to division winners. And although he was one of the best GM's in the game, he may be better suited as a talent evaluator. Smith will still have him here to help him make decisions and to help guide him (which may be the best part of this whole ordeal), and Ryan gets to go back to scouting players which is what he has always liked doing the most.

I think that this could make us a better organization in the sense that both Ryan and Smith will be doing what they love the most and Ryan will be here to help Smith along the way.

I can't say I thought he'd be our GM for all of eternity, and I suppose that with the new stadium coming up, it's better to do it now then later.

What does this mean for the Twins chances of signing Johan Santana? Torii Hunter? Justin Morneau? Joe Nathan? Michael Cuddyer? That will be the topic of choice as the season dwindles down.


The Twins will open a 3-game series tonight against the Detroit Tigers:

• Game 1: RHP Matt Garza (3-5, 3.71) vs. LHP Nate Robertson (7-11, 5.04)
• Game 2: LHP Johan Santana vs. RHP Yorman Bazardo (1-1, 3.00)
• Game 3: RHP Jair Jurrjens (2-1, 3.15) vs. RHP Scott Baker (9-7, 4.17)
  

The Beloit Snappers beat the West Michigan Whitecaps, 8-5. (W.M. leads the series, 2-1)

Cole DeVries got roughed up, but the offense already had a 7 run advantage by the 3rd inning, and they never looked back. Danny Vais pitched 2.2 innings to get the win. Danny Leatherman and Anthony Slama pitched scoreless innings of relief as well. Garrett Olson went deep for the 2nd straight game. D.J. Romero, Chris Parmelee, Greg Yersich, Rene Tosoni, Danny Santiesteban, and Olson all had 1 RBI apiece. Steve Singleton drove in 2 runs. Joe Benson went 2-4 with a double and 2 runs scored.