Minnesota Twins Replace Bill Smith as General Manager with Terry Ryan

Major League Baseball (MLB) team Minnesota Twins have replaced General Manager Bill Smith with Terry Ryan on an temporary basis.

Smith, who took over for Ryan in 2007, was released after a season where Minnesota was last in the American League Central, 32 games back of the division-leading Detroit Tigers.

Twins owner Jim Pohlad said in a statement: “No one in the Twins’ organization wants to win any more than Bill,” 

“He is unquestionably loyal, committed and talented. The Twins goal is to get better in 2012 and beyond. Bill was equally motivated to achieve that goal but we differed in the scope and approach that was required.”

Pohlad also said the team intends to have additional talks with Smith, who has been with the club since 1986, about an ongoing role with the Twins.

Ryan, 58, has spent over 28 years with the Twins, including a stint as general manager from 1994-2007. His interim role is effective immediately.

Under Ryan, who has been the team’s senior advisor to the general manager since stepping down from the general manager position four years ago, the Twins won four American League Central Division titles (2002, 2003, 2004 and 2006).