The Minnesota Twins made news this week by announcing the firing of general manager Bill Smith and replacing him with Terry Ryan. Let's round up the latest rumors from the Twin Cities:
- La Velle E. Neal III of the Star-Tribune reports the Twins hope to name a new manager for Class AAA Rochester no later than Thanksgiving. Among their list of candidates is Mike Quade, who served as the Cubs' manger in 2011 before being let go after only one season.
- New general manager Terry Ryan tells Reusse and Mackey of ESPN 1500 he wants to take a good look at the team's current shortstop, Tsuyoshi Nishioka, but admits the team doesn't have a starting shortstop as of right now.
- La Velle E. Neal III of the Star-Tribune believes Carl Pavano will be traded this offseason, because the team could trim payroll while getting a nice return. Don't be surprised if Kevin Slowey rumors spur up once again, either.
- Even the Twins sent scouts to the Yoennis Cespedes' workouts in the Dominican Republic, writes La Velle E. Neal III of the Star-Tribune.