Twins fire Ron Gardenhire

The Twins have parted ways with manager Ron Gardenhire, as first reported by Patrick Reusse of 1500ESPN.com. The entire coaching staff has also been let go, according to an official announcement from the team.

Gardenhire, 56, ends his tenure at the helm of the Twins after thirteen years in Minnesota. In that time, his teams posted a 1,068-1,039 record (.507) while winning the AL Central in 2002, 2003, 2004, 2006, 2009 and 2010. Under Gardenhire, the Twins were 6-21 in the postseason, advancing to the ALCS on only one occasion and being swept in their last three ALDS appearances.

Minnesota has faltered over the past couple years, winning 70 or fewer games in every season since 2011. Gardenhire's job has been considered safe throughout most of their downfall due to his previous success with the team, but four straight years of losing was apparently too much for him to keep his position.

With Gardenhire out, speculation is that the team could turn to Hall of Famer Paul Molitor as their new manager, with other internal candidates potentially including Doug Mientkiewicz and Sam Perlozzo. The Twins are one of four teams without a manager, joining the Rangers, Astros and Diamondbacks in the wake of the resignation of Ron Washington and the firings of Bo Porter and Kirk Gibson.