Minnesota Twins Fire General Manager Terry Ryan

Minneapolis, MN – The Minnesota Twins have announced that general manager Terry Ryan has been relieved of his duties. Assistant general manager Rob Antony will take over as the team's general manager on an interim basis.

"While disappointed we were unable to bring Minnesota a third World Championship, I leave the GM post with immense pride in being part of the Twins organization for the better part of three decades," Ryan said in a statement."

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"I’m grateful for the leadership opportunities provided by the Pohlad family; the collaboration and talents of my colleagues in the front office; the hard work and dedication of our manager, coaches and clubhouse personnel; the commitment and professionalism of our players; the passion and attention to detail of our minor league staff and scouts; and most importantly, the incredible support of our fans. It’s been an honor to be part of the Twins organization and I wish everyone nothing but the best going forward."

Ryan was the team’s general manager from 1994 to 2007, and took over as general manager again in 2011.

Aaron Gleeman, who writes for Baseball Prospectus, said on Twitter he was surprised at the timing of the decision.

The Twins are 25 games under .500 at 33-58. They are 17.5 games out of first place in the American League Central Division and 12 games behind the Chicago White Sox for fourth in the division.

Image: Bryan Green via Flickr /Creative Commons