This past week Minnesota Twins owner Carl Pohlad dismissed general manager Bill Smith from his role despite giving him the dreaded vote of confidence after the team’s ninety-nine loss season. It was mentioned that the change was due to philosophical differences and that Smith was offered another role within the organization in baseball operations. I can understand that there … [Read more...] about Minnesota Twins Shakeup at GM Makes No Sense
ron gardenhire
Twins and White Sox Have a Lot in Common
American League fans in Chicago and Minneapolis have experienced tremendous disappointment so far this season. The lackluster play of their clubs has had many sitting on their hands at US Cellular and Target Fields. There are actually tremendous parallels between the two situations. It starts with a list of three disappointing players on each roster. … [Read more...] about Twins and White Sox Have a Lot in Common
Sparky Anderson’s Special Day: Detroit Tigers Retire His Number
In a gesture that is long overdue, the Detroit Tigers are scheduled to retire the number of managerial legend Sparky Anderson on Sunday prior to their game against Kirk Gibson’s Arizona Diamondbacks. It is not surprising that one of these teams is entering the season in first place, but the part that is shocking is that it is the club from Phoenix. They are really cashing in on … [Read more...] about Sparky Anderson’s Special Day: Detroit Tigers Retire His Number
Baby Steps Forward with the Minnesota Twins
It is imperative that individuals refine and rewrite their goals on a consistent basis. For example, I don’t think that my modeling career is going to take off the way that I had hoped fifteen years ago. One month out from the All Star break, the Minnesota Twins also need to do this. At the beginning of this season, manager Ron Gardenhire and GM Bill Smith undoubtedly had … [Read more...] about Baby Steps Forward with the Minnesota Twins
Minnesota Twins Offense is Nonexistent
Justin Morneau and Joe Mauer have been on the shelf during the early part of the season. The batting order hasn’t even come close to picking up the slack in their absence. Michael Cuddyer looks lethargic in his body language and Delmon Young’s production is nowhere to be found. The team had two national television appearances in the past week and both games contained striking … [Read more...] about Minnesota Twins Offense is Nonexistent
Minnesota Twins Already Facing a Breaking Point
Around opening day I predicted that the Twins would win the American League Central Division because they were healthy and ready to continue their fundamentally solid play backed by quality pitching. It appears that I have some egg on my face at this juncture. However, they have proven over the last decade to be viable foes for all comers in the Midwest region. There are some … [Read more...] about Minnesota Twins Already Facing a Breaking Point
Twins’ Gardenhire Should Take Notes From Cardinals’ LaRussa
I have thought for quite some time that Ron Gardenhire is in the top quartile of managers. His longevity is rare in the major leagues. He has the necessary knowledge to get the job done, and his players enjoy competing for him. The Minnesota Twins have stumbled out of the gate so far this season-losing two thirds of their games. It is not as bad as the Red Sox have done and is … [Read more...] about Twins’ Gardenhire Should Take Notes From Cardinals’ LaRussa
The Necessary Attributes to be a Major League Manager
There are numerous schools of thought on effective leadership. One could spend hours upon hours at Amazon.com in this section. Because the Major League Baseball season is such a grind at around ten times the length of the NFL season, the necessary traits are somewhat unique compared with other professional sports. There are the old school supporters who would back the likes of … [Read more...] about The Necessary Attributes to be a Major League Manager
Twins, Gophers, T’Wolves, Wild Head Coaches Doing Talk Show Together
FOX Sports North launches “Unscripted,” a new series of specials designed to bring together leaders and figures in the Minnesota sports landscape, beginning Tuesday, Jan. 3, 2011. The first mini-series “Unscripted: Coaches/Manager” features Minnesota Twins Manager Ron Gardenhire, Minnesota Timberwolves Head Coach Kurt Rambis, Minnesota Wild Head Coach Todd Richards and … [Read more...] about Twins, Gophers, T’Wolves, Wild Head Coaches Doing Talk Show Together
Ron Gardenhire: Award And Extension Are Much Deserved
Minnesota Twins manager Ron Gardenhire recently was presented the honor of American League Manager Of The Year. He edged out Ron Washington of the Texas Rangers, despite falling to the Yankees in the divisional series of the playoffs. It is obviously a commendation for his performance during the regular season, when he transitioned from the biggest home field advantage in all … [Read more...] about Ron Gardenhire: Award And Extension Are Much Deserved