Minnesota Twins fire general manager Terry Ryan

The move comes after the Twins got off to a disastrous 0-9 start and never recovered.

Heading into Monday night’s game at Detroit, the Twins are 33-58 and 21 games out in the American League Central. They are also 12 games behind the Chicago White Sox for fourth in the division. Molitor helped the Twins become one of the surprise teams of season a year ago, having them in the playoff hunt into the final week of the season. He helped build one of baseball’s strongest farm systems and made several shrewd trades that turned the Twins into a team that won four AL Central championships in five seasons. His first tenure as GM lasted from 1991-2007, after which he served as a Special Assistant to General Manager Bill Smith (2008-2011) before stepping back up to lead the front office for a second time.

Ryan, now 62, was the Twins GM from 1995-2007, and again from 2012-16. Only Atlanta has a worse record in the majors to this point in the season.

Antony – as well as other current members of the Twins front office – will be a candidate for the job when the Twins make their final decision, but team owner and CEO Jim Pohlad said the team will consider outside candidates.

Rob Antony is in his 29th season with the Twins organization and his 9th as Assistant General Manager.

In the statement, Ryan thanked the Pohlad family, the Twins players and staff and fans. Potential budget constraints aside, a laundry list that includes Jason Marquis, Kevin Correia, Mike Pelfrey, Ricky Nolasco, Phil Hughes and Ervin Santana have not measured up for various reasons.

Pohlad admitted that he’s nervous about the search, at least in part because the Twins haven’t had to find a new GM from outside the organization in more than 20 years. Jim Pohlad has made no secret of his admiration for Ryan, saying as late as previous year that the GM could hold his post for as long as he wanted.

Yes, Antony is the interim GM, but I hope the Pohlads are smart enough to finally get someone from outside the organization to turn around this mess.