Terry Ryan is making changes to get things back on track – MLB Twins Update
Minnesota Twins is one of the strongest teams in the American League Division. However, last year, the Twins collapsed dramatically as they lost 99 games during the season. Owner of the franchise, Jim Pohlad sacked Bill Smith and replaced him with Terry Ryan, under whom the Twins had achieved staggering results in Major League Baseball.
After serving for 13 years with the Twins, Ryan resigned from GM duties in 2007. Following Ryan’s walk out, Smith moved up to lead the Twins. Minnesota produced decent performances in his first season as they lost the AL Central title by one game. In 2009, the Twins battled past the Tigers to win the AL Central title by one game.
Since returning to the Twins as GM, Terry Ryan has made quite a few changes to the Twins' side. Signing four free agents in right handed starter Jason Marquis, catcher Ryan Doumit, outfielder Josh Willingham and shortstop Jamey Carroll, he seems to know what he is doing.
"Willingham replaces Cuddyer," Ryan said, referring to Michael Cuddyer, who left for Colorado as a free agent. "We signed Carroll because we had a need to solidify the middle of the infield. We did not make a lot of plays last season that we are used to making. So he came in.”
He further added that, "We signed Doumit because we needed somebody that could give us offense behind the plate when Joe (Mauer) needs a rest."
In addition to his defensive skills, Catcher Doumit has excellent hitting abilities as he hit 46 home runs in the past four seasons in the Majors. Marquis was also a leading pitcher for Washington last season as he went 13-20 before moving to Arizona in late July. The starter, however, missed the last two quarters of the season due to a broken leg.
"Marquis takes the place of (Kevin) Slowey," Ryan said. "He was off to a pretty good start for Washington last year."
But the Twins are looking to function with the same philosophy. They have been the most successful team in the AL Central division in the last five years and Ryan will be eager to get things back on track with consistent performances in 2012.
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