Thread: Mackey: Twins may make changes to field staff

1500espn's Phil Mackey penned a nice article stating that the Twins could make some changes to the field staff:

There's a feeling within the Pohlad family two atrocious seasons cannot pass without change of some kind, sources said, especially with attendance figures dropping at Target Field.

One spot may open up without Ryan or Gardenhire needing to make a move:

The 53-year-old Liddle -- who is well-respected by players and contributes greatly to in-game strategy -- has told people he is strongly considering retiring after the season.

Gardenhire is signed through the 2013 season while his coaches' contracts run out at the end of the season.

Gardy had nothing but praise for his coaching staff in the conference call with season ticket holders. It still wouldn't surprise me if some kind of move was made.

I think something has to happen, its to the point where if Gardy doesn't make a move (or 2 or 3) and the Twins start slow next year many more will start calling for his head. If you make a move or 2 with your staff you give yourself a little more rope down the line. Personally I'd like a new pitching coach. I'd love Bert to come out of the booth because I really do think he knows how to pitch and did a good job with The Netherlands at the WBC last time around. But I doubt he'd consider it, as you can tell he likes his vacations and I really think his only goal post career in life was to get into the HOF and since hes done that I don't think he wants to coach. But I've heard good things about the AAA pitching coach so I'd go with him. The other move would be with the 3B coach. Its bad, nothing else I can or need to say.

Originally Posted by Cody Christie

Gardy had nothing but praise for his coaching staff

The Dreaded Vote of Confidence(tm), one level down the management chain?

I think both Bobby Cuellar and Tom Brunansky need to be considered for promotion, before we lose them

More problematic in the article by Makey is the lack of discipline creeping in and being tolerated.

Is Liddle tired of the rat race or being a scapegoat for what he has no control over? Does a coach make that much money they can retire young? Liddle might not like some of what he sees and is loyal to the staff so to preserve an image calls it retirement. John Bonnes article described the lack of clutch hitting. That is not his area. He doesn't work with the pitchers. There is something that does not add up.

Originally Posted by old nurse

Does a coach make that much money they can retire young? .

uhhhh....yes! He makes $660k a year, and 54 isn't exactly young.

In addition it wouldn't shock me if he stuck around the organization as an adviser or some role as well.

Originally Posted by SpiritofVodkaDave

Originally Posted by old nurse

Does a coach make that much money they can retire young? .

uhhhh....yes! He makes $660k a year, and 54 isn't exactly young.

In addition it wouldn't shock me if he stuck around the organization as an adviser or some role as well.

In regards to 54 not being exactly young, the policy of this board does not allow me to tell you what I think of your opinion.

Fascinating article by Mackey. And to his conclustion: But after 11 years and now two 90-loss seasons, the Twins are trying to decide if it's time to shake things up, I can only say "AMEN".

For me, this isn't about being "bad" at your job (although arguments can be made long those lines), it is more a corollary to "Familiarity breeds contempt" or rather, too much familiarity leads to complacency and bad habits. I honestly believe that part of the Twins' problems stem from too much stability. Since they didn't "bleed in" much new field staff or front office staff in the last 11 years, they now need an infusion of new energy, personalities, ideas and talent.

However, the idea that the Twins are bad due to a bench coach or 3rd base coach is laughable at best.

It doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure out why this team is losing 90+ games.

They. Have. No. Starting. Pitching.

I could honestly care less about them bringing in a new field staff, it's not going to make that much of a difference (maybe 2 wins at best?) The success/failure of 2013 is going to be the starting pitching staff.

I agree Spirit of Vodka Dave. No coaching staff in baseball could have made this rotation into a winner.

Mackey's lines about the players starting to show a little less respect for the game (dress code, injured players showing up later than they should) tells me that some fresh blood would be good. I am not sure if Gardenhire's ego would allow for a Gladden, Morris, Bruno, or Molitor to be added to the staff though. I'm thinking it would have to be a guy of his choosing.

How bad does it have to get before the manager or coaches need to change? Another sub 500 season next year be it or should Gardy have the job as long as he wants?

Originally Posted by SpiritofVodkaDave

However, the idea that the Twins are bad due to a bench coach or 3rd base coach is laughable at best.

It doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure out why this team is losing 90+ games.

They. Have. No. Starting. Pitching.

I could honestly care less about them bringing in a new field staff, it's not going to make that much of a difference (maybe 2 wins at best?) The success/failure of 2013 is going to be the starting pitching staff.

Amen brother and everybody here knows it but most still need a scapegoat.

Originally Posted by nokomismod

I agree Spirit of Vodka Dave. No coaching staff in baseball could have made this rotation into a winner.

Mackey's lines about the players starting to show a little less respect for the game (dress code, injured players showing up later than they should) tells me that some fresh blood would be good. I am not sure if Gardenhire's ego would allow for a Gladden, Morris, Bruno, or Molitor to be added to the staff though. I'm thinking it would have to be a guy of his choosing.

Where do you come up with that?

+1, 54 to some of us is just a kid, eh old nurse?

Originally Posted by beckmt

I think both Bobby Cuellar and Tom Brunansky need to be considered for promotion, before we lose them

Bruno is one thing but he has history with the Twins. Cuellar is not a spring chicken and I think might be close to retirement himself. That said I agree.

I think if the only move after two 90+ loss season would be to replace Liddle, they better do nothing. They should clean house, but at least Anderson has to go. Cannot keep only the players accountable and call for no scholarships (and still hand one to the Drew) while you tenure your manager and your coaches.

Glad to hear that the Pohlads do not like the product their staff (starting with the GM) put on the field. Time to see whether they will do the right thing...

Originally Posted by thrylos98

Originally Posted by beckmt

I think both Bobby Cuellar and Tom Brunansky need to be considered for promotion, before we lose them

Bruno is one thing but he has history with the Twins. Cuellar is not a spring chicken and I think might be close to retirement himself. That said I agree.

I think if the only move after two 90+ loss season would be to replace Liddle, they better do nothing. They should clean house, but at least Anderson has to go. Cannot keep only the players accountable and call for no scholarships (and still hand one to the Drew) while you tenure your manager and your coaches.

Glad to hear that the Pohlads do not like the product their staff (starting with the GM) put on the field. Time to see whether they will do the right thing...

Ultimately, I could care less about the coaching staff. The issues are far more about organizational philosophy and player evaluation than anything else. No team, regardless of their coaches, wins even 81 games with this pitching staff. Could the Twins win a few more games with better coaches? Probably, but I don't think it's a number that would be even close to being in the double digits.

Stele could be replaced (sadly, but let us be realistic). Ullger should move on to somewhere that might offer him management opportunities...he is NOT heir to Gardy. Vavra could move aside. Liddle leave on his own. Bring back Redmond. Promote Bruno. Do something.....

Originally Posted by nokomismod

...No coaching staff in baseball could have made this rotation into a winner.

Unless they teach somebody to throw a knuckleball....

Too soon?

Unless you think they are bringing in Maddox, I'm not sure how anyone could advocate getting rid of Rick Anderson.,.