MINNEAPOLIS — The fallout from a 99-loss season for the Twins has started with the firing of general manager Bill Smith.
Smith was dismissed Monday, when the Twins returned Terry Ryan to the role on an interim basis. Smith was Ryan’s top assistant when Ryan stepped down in 2007, citing burnout, after holding the job for 13 years.
Widely recognized for their stability, class and ability to make the most out of a medium-range payroll, this was a startling move for the Twins despite the embarrassment and deep disappointment of the 2011 season following two straight AL Central titles.
This is the first time since the franchise moved from Washington to Minnesota in 1961 the Twins have fired a general manager.
“No one in the Twins’ organization wants to win any more than Bill,” Twins owner Jim Pohlad said in a statement. “He is unquestionably loyal, committed and talented. The Twins’ goal is to get better in 2012 and beyond.”
Pohlad added the Twins will speak with Smith about “an ongoing role within the organization.”
Smith has been with the club since 1986.
Smith, in a statement released by the Twins, called his time with the team “the greatest professional privilege I could have ever imagined” and thanked everyone from the Pohlad family to the athletic trainers for their working relationship.
Royals send Cabrera to Giants for Sanchez.
The Royals traded outfielder Melky Cabrera to the Giants for left- hander Jonathan Sanchez, upgrading their starting rotation and clearing the way for hotshot prospect Lorenzo Cain to get a chance in center field.
The Royals also received Double-A pitcher Ryan Verdugo in the deal.
Sanchez was the Giants’ best pitcher during the latter part of 2010, when they beat the Rangers to win the World Series. The hard-throwing left-hander was 13-9 with 3.07 ERA in 2010. He struggled most of the 2011 season, partly due to injuries, going 4-7 with a 4.26 ERA.
Cabrera hit .305 with 44 doubles, 18 homes and 87 RBIs in his first season in Kansas City. He was the first Royals player with at least 200 hits in a season since 2000.
Maddux won’t seek Red Sox job.
Rangers pitching coach Mike Maddux has withdrawn from consideration for the manager’s job with the Red Sox.
Maddux, also a candidate for the Cubs’ managerial opening, said in a statement it was a family decision that led him to withdraw from consideration.
“My wife and two daughters are together in the same state for the first time in three years and words cannot describe my happiness,” he said.
The Associated Press
