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Minnesota fired General Manager Terry Ryan, the club announced Monday afternoon in a press release.
The Twins have consistently struggled in the American League Central and currently sit 21.0 games behind the Indians in the division.
Since the Twins haven’t been in the playoff conversation for several seasons, the move isn’t surprising. However, the timing of the decision is notable.
Our first reaction was something like this, since the timing just doesn’t seem right:
Our first reactions to Twins FIRING Terry Ryan:
— MLB Daily Dish (@mlbdailydish) July 18, 2016
1. Two weeks before the deadline?
2. Five weeks after the draft?
3. WHAAAAAAAAAAA
Is there a chance Ryan didn’t want to wait until the end of the season? That seems like a respectable choice:
Would not be surprised if Twins had told Ryan he wasn't coming back in 2017 and knowing Terry he said, "let's do it now."
— Mark Rosen (@WCCORosen) July 18, 2016
It seems the Twins no longer want to discuss loyalty:
The Twins' greatest quality has been continuity and loyalty. The Twins' greatest weakness has been continuity and loyalty. Time to change.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) July 18, 2016
Look at this! It screams loyal:
Since 1986, just 3 men have served as #Twins GM: Andy MacPhail, Terry Ryan & Bill Smith. That's 30 years
— Scott Miller (@ScottMillerBbl) July 18, 2016
The trade deadline is two weeks away, so the Twins probably needed someone in-house to take control for now:
Finally firing Terry Ryan only to replace him with his longtime assistant would be very Twins-like. We'll see if they actually clean house.
— Aaron Gleeman (@AaronGleeman) July 18, 2016
Minnesota isn’t waiting for the off-season to try and find Ryan’s replacement:
#Twins will not wait until offseason to begin GM search. They are expected to consider candidates in the coming weeks. @MLB @MLBNetwork
— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) July 18, 2016
Twins fans have often said the front office hasn’t spent enough. Is that really the case?
@mlbdailydish The problem is the payroll, not the GM. #cheapskate
— Joey Mele (@Joey_Mele1) July 18, 2016
Could this be a good move for Minnesota’s prospects?
@mlbdailydish the house is finally being cleaned hopefully this is a good thing for buxton berrios kepler etc
— the sorrow of life (@thesorrowoflife) July 18, 2016
The trade deadline is in two weeks. Does anyone beside Twins fans care?
@mlbdailydish meh?
— Ray Cartwright (@RayCartwright) July 18, 2016
Was it about time?
About damn time and I don't even root for the Twins! https://t.co/Ve4ltSu8OT
— Mallory Gelman (@Malihoo29) July 18, 2016
Positive reactions are good?
Whew. https://t.co/DSaa9OgKU8
— Joe Redemann (@JayArr_FF) July 18, 2016
It might have been overdue, but the loyalty got in a way?
Was probably overdue. https://t.co/WryuoVWoy3
— Admiral Buzzkill (@TheOriginalBull) July 18, 2016
This is one way to look at it:
@mlbdailydish pic.twitter.com/Tr8bTCv5j9
— Ethan (@EthanB53) July 18, 2016
The rest of the American League Central obviously disagrees with the move:
Big mistake.
— Rany Jazayerli (@jazayerli) July 18, 2016
- Sincerely, fans of the Indians, Tigers, Royals, and White Sox. https://t.co/mN4Wq3sgF5
The wording was, well, distinct:
Interesting to me that the Twins release reads more like a retirement statement than a firing
— CJ Fogler (@cjzero) July 18, 2016
Hot Phil Hughes take alert:
Reminder: Phil Hughes' contract extension doesn't kick in until next year.
— Craig Calcaterra (@craigcalcaterra) July 18, 2016
A new GM is coming for the Twins, which could be a good thing for the game in the long run.