Terry Ryan (baseball)
Encyclopedia
Terry Ryan is the general manager
for the Minnesota Twins
. Ryan is known for using a low payroll and building up the minor league
system to put up contending teams. He resigned as general manager of the Twins on October 1, 2007 but returned to the team as interim GM on November 7, 2011.
in Janesville, and was drafted in the 35th round by the Minnesota Twins
in 1972.
in 1979, with a degree in physical education
, Ryan quickly earned respect as an evaluator of talent in baseball. In 1980, the New York Mets
hired him as a scout. He spent six seasons as a scout for the Mets before the Twins again showed interest in him. The team hired him as scouting director, a position he held for six years. He was then promoted to vice president and player personnel director under General Manager Andy MacPhail
. When MacPhail left for the Chicago Cubs
in 1994, Ryan was chosen to replace him.
Ryan's organization relies heavily on constant scouting and analysis of every player in major and minor league baseball. As a result, the team made some startling and at the time questioned acquisitions of players who turned out to be drastically underrated and who became star players in the Twins organization.
Ryan had the unenviable task of succeeding MacPhail, architect of the Twins' 1987
and 1991
world champion teams. Ryan would endure losing seasons until 2001, but his trades turned out to have the future in mind. In 2002, the Twins began a sequence of winning their division.
His early years as GM had several lowlights. For example, during the 1995 season
, he was forced to unload several high-priced veterans when the team was not contending. The unloaded veterans included Rick Aguilera
, Scott Erickson
, Mark Guthrie
, and Kevin Tapani
. To make matters worse, the prospects he received in these trades did not pan out. In particular, Scott Klingenbeck
and Frank Rodriguez
were expected to be solid major league players. Instead, they were busts who did not last in the majors.
In 1996
, Ryan botched the signing of first baseman Travis Lee
during the amateur draft. Lee exploited a never-before used clause that allows a draft pick to become a free agent if a team does not make an offer within 15 days of the draft. After the Twins failed to do this, Lee left for the Arizona Diamondbacks
, who gave him a $10 million signing bonus.
to the Seattle Mariners
for a player to be named later. On September 30, the Mariners sent David Ortiz
to the Twins to complete the trade. Unfortunately for the Twins, Ortiz would not show MVP-caliber numbers until he left the Twins a few years later. Similarly, in August 1997, Ryan unloaded another aging veteran for a future All-Star. This time it was Roberto Kelly
for Joe Mays
. In 1998, he sent the disgruntled Chuck Knoblauch
to the New York Yankees
for four players, including two future All-Stars: shortstop Cristian Guzman
and pitcher Eric Milton
. In 1999, he again unloaded Rick Aguilera
and received future starter Kyle Lohse
. At the end of the year, he traded for future Cy Young Award
winner Johan Santana
, who was picked up in the Rule 5 Draft
by the Florida Marlins
from the Houston Astros
. In July 2001, the Twins traded outfielder Matt Lawton
to the New York Mets
for pitcher Rick Reed
.
(also acquired in the Knoblauch trade) to the San Diego Padres
for Jason Bartlett, now back with the Padres after being traded from the Twins to the Rays and then to the Padres. That year, the team made the postseason for the first time since the 1991 World Champion team
and defeated the heavily favored Oakland Athletics
in the 2002 American League Division Series
. After the 2002 season
, the Twins organization was named Organization of the Year by Baseball America and SportsTicker, while Ryan was named Executive of the Year by The Sporting News.
In 2003, Ryan swapped outfielder Bobby Kielty
for accomplished veteran leadoff hitter Shannon Stewart. This move was credited with jump-starting the team and enabling them to repeat as division champions. In November 2003, Ryan sent popular catcher A.J. Pierzynski to the San Francisco Giants, gaining closer Joe Nathan
, and starting pitchers Francisco Liriano
and Boof Bonser
. Another strong trade occurred a month later, when Ryan sent starter Eric Milton
to the Philadelphia Phillies
for starter Carlos Silva and infielder Nick Punto
. His most recent trades affecting the current team were in December 2005, when he received second baseman Luis Castillo
from the Florida Marlins
for two minor leaguers. He also traded pitcher J.C. Romero
to the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim
for Alexi Casilla
.
fired Smith after a 99-loss season - the first time that the Twins had fired a general manager since relocating from Washington, D.C.
. Ryan, who had remained with the team in a consultant role since stepping down as GM after the season, returned to the job on an interim basis.
General manager (baseball)
In Major League Baseball, the general manager of a team typically controls player transactions and bears the primary responsibility on behalf of the ballclub during contract discussions with players....
for the Minnesota Twins
Minnesota Twins
The Minnesota Twins are a professional baseball team based in Minneapolis, Minnesota. They play in the Central Division of Major League Baseball's American League. The team is named after the Twin Cities area of Minneapolis and St. Paul. They played in Metropolitan Stadium from 1961 to 1981 and the...
. Ryan is known for using a low payroll and building up the minor league
Minor league
Minor leagues are professional sports leagues which are not regarded as the premier leagues in those sports. Minor league teams tend to play in smaller, less elaborate venues, often competing in smaller cities. This term is used in North America with regard to several organizations competing in...
system to put up contending teams. He resigned as general manager of the Twins on October 1, 2007 but returned to the team as interim GM on November 7, 2011.
Early life and career
Ryan attended George S. Parker High SchoolGeorge S. Parker High School
George S. Parker High School is a comprehensive public secondary school located on the west side of the city of Janesville, Wisconsin. The school, named for George S. Parker, founder of the Parker Pen Company, was constructed in 1967. The rival east side school is Joseph A. Craig High School. Dr...
in Janesville, and was drafted in the 35th round by the Minnesota Twins
Minnesota Twins
The Minnesota Twins are a professional baseball team based in Minneapolis, Minnesota. They play in the Central Division of Major League Baseball's American League. The team is named after the Twin Cities area of Minneapolis and St. Paul. They played in Metropolitan Stadium from 1961 to 1981 and the...
in 1972.
Playing career
Ryan pitched briefly in the Twins organization in the mid-70s. His playing career started with promise: Ryan posted a 10-0 record and 1.70 ERA in 43 games at Class A Wisconsin Rapids in 1973. However, he subsequently battled injuries and was released by the Twins' AA team in June 1976.Administrative career
After graduating from the University of Wisconsin–MadisonUniversity of Wisconsin–Madison
The University of Wisconsin–Madison is a public research university located in Madison, Wisconsin, United States. Founded in 1848, UW–Madison is the flagship campus of the University of Wisconsin System. It became a land-grant institution in 1866...
in 1979, with a degree in physical education
Physical education
Physical education or gymnastics is a course taken during primary and secondary education that encourages psychomotor learning in a play or movement exploration setting....
, Ryan quickly earned respect as an evaluator of talent in baseball. In 1980, the New York Mets
New York Mets
The New York Mets are a professional baseball team based in the borough of Queens in New York City, New York. They belong to Major League Baseball's National League East Division. One of baseball's first expansion teams, the Mets were founded in 1962 to replace New York's departed National League...
hired him as a scout. He spent six seasons as a scout for the Mets before the Twins again showed interest in him. The team hired him as scouting director, a position he held for six years. He was then promoted to vice president and player personnel director under General Manager Andy MacPhail
Andy MacPhail
Andy MacPhail is the former president of baseball operations for the Baltimore Orioles. He was the president/CEO of the National League Chicago Cubs from September 9, 1994 until October 1, 2006...
. When MacPhail left for the Chicago Cubs
Chicago Cubs
The Chicago Cubs are a professional baseball team located in Chicago, Illinois. They are members of the Central Division of Major League Baseball's National League. They are one of two Major League clubs based in Chicago . The Cubs are also one of the two remaining charter members of the National...
in 1994, Ryan was chosen to replace him.
Ryan's organization relies heavily on constant scouting and analysis of every player in major and minor league baseball. As a result, the team made some startling and at the time questioned acquisitions of players who turned out to be drastically underrated and who became star players in the Twins organization.
Ryan had the unenviable task of succeeding MacPhail, architect of the Twins' 1987
1987 Minnesota Twins
The 1987 Minnesota Twins won the World Series for the first time since moving from Washington in 1961, marking the second time that the franchise had won the World Series...
and 1991
1991 Minnesota Twins
The Minnesota Twins won the World Series, the second time the Twins had won the World Series since moving to Minnesota in .The Twins finished 95-67, first in the AL West.2,293,842 fans attended Twins games, the eighth highest total in the American League....
world champion teams. Ryan would endure losing seasons until 2001, but his trades turned out to have the future in mind. In 2002, the Twins began a sequence of winning their division.
His early years as GM had several lowlights. For example, during the 1995 season
1995 Minnesota Twins
Although the 1995 Minnesota Twins were separated from a world championship by only four years, it seemed like eons. Because of the 1994 Major League Baseball strike, the season got off to a late start. However, it did not end soon enough, as the team finished with a 56-88 record and in last place...
, he was forced to unload several high-priced veterans when the team was not contending. The unloaded veterans included Rick Aguilera
Rick Aguilera
Richard Warren Aguilera is a former Major League Baseball pitcher. During a 16-year baseball career, he pitched from 1985-2000 for the New York Mets, Minnesota Twins, Boston Red Sox, and Chicago Cubs....
, Scott Erickson
Scott Erickson
Scott Gavin Erickson is a former Major League Baseball pitcher.-Career:Erickson was born in Long Beach, California, and began his professional career, after being drafted by the NY Mets in 1986, Houston Astros in 1987, and Toronto Blue Jays in 1988, in when he was drafted by the Minnesota Twins...
, Mark Guthrie
Mark Guthrie
Mark Andrew Guthrie is a former Major League Baseball relief pitcher. He was a member of the 1991 World Series Champion Minnesota Twins....
, and Kevin Tapani
Kevin Tapani
Kevin Ray Tapani is a former Major League Baseball pitcher who played for the New York Mets, Minnesota Twins, Los Angeles Dodgers, Chicago White Sox, and Chicago Cubs from 1989 to 2001.-Early life:...
. To make matters worse, the prospects he received in these trades did not pan out. In particular, Scott Klingenbeck
Scott Klingenbeck
Scott Klingenbeck was a Major League Baseball pitcher. Klingenbeck graduated from Oak Hills High School in 1989, and then attended Ohio State University. He played in the MLB for a total of 4 years, with the Baltimore Orioles, Minnesota Twins, and Cincinnati Reds.-External links:* provided by...
and Frank Rodriguez
Frank Rodriguez (baseball)
Francisco Rodriguez is a former major league pitcher.-Amateur career:Rodriguez won the Dick Howser Trophy in 1991. At the time of the award, Rodriguez was playing for Howard Junior College in Big Spring, Texas...
were expected to be solid major league players. Instead, they were busts who did not last in the majors.
In 1996
1996 Minnesota Twins
Prior to the spring training, the 1996 Minnesota Twins were projected to be a contending team. The team's chances significantly worsened on March 28, 1996. Kirby Puckett, the team's franchise player, had been tattooing the Grapefruit League for a .360 average, but that morning woke up without...
, Ryan botched the signing of first baseman Travis Lee
Travis Lee
Travis Lee is a former Major League Baseball first baseman.Lee graduated from Capital High School in Olympia, Washington in 1993, where he also played football. Being ambidextrous Lee played as a lefty in baseball and as a QB for the Capital High football team threw with his right...
during the amateur draft. Lee exploited a never-before used clause that allows a draft pick to become a free agent if a team does not make an offer within 15 days of the draft. After the Twins failed to do this, Lee left for the Arizona Diamondbacks
Arizona Diamondbacks
The Arizona Diamondbacks are a professional baseball team based in Phoenix. They play in the West Division of Major League Baseball's National League. From 1998 to the present, they have played in Chase Field...
, who gave him a $10 million signing bonus.
Success as general manager
Things started looking up for Ryan only a couple of months later, when he traded veteran Dave HollinsDave Hollins
David Michael Hollins is a former third baseman in Major League Baseball. He played baseball at Orchard Park High School, where he graduated in 1984. He attended the University of South Carolina. He was selected by the San Diego Padres in the 6th round of the 1987 amateur draft...
to the Seattle Mariners
Seattle Mariners
The Seattle Mariners are a professional baseball team based in Seattle, Washington. Enfranchised in , the Mariners are a member of the Western Division of Major League Baseball's American League. Safeco Field has been the Mariners' home ballpark since July...
for a player to be named later. On September 30, the Mariners sent David Ortiz
David Ortiz
David Américo Ortiz Arias , known as David Ortiz, nicknamed "Big Papi", is a Dominican American professional baseball player who is currently a free agent. Previously, Ortiz played with the Minnesota Twins and Boston Red Sox...
to the Twins to complete the trade. Unfortunately for the Twins, Ortiz would not show MVP-caliber numbers until he left the Twins a few years later. Similarly, in August 1997, Ryan unloaded another aging veteran for a future All-Star. This time it was Roberto Kelly
Roberto Kelly
Roberto Conrado Kelly is a former Outfielder in Major League Baseball and is currently the first base coach for the San Francisco Giants. He previously managed the Giants' single-A team, the Augusta GreenJackets. Kelly played for several major league clubs...
for Joe Mays
Joe Mays
Joeseph Emerson Mays is a former Major League Baseball right-handed pitcher.Mays is a 1994 graduate of Southeast High School in Bradenton, Florida. He also attended Manatee Community College in Bradenton. He and his wife, Melinda , have two children.Mays began his major league career with the...
. In 1998, he sent the disgruntled Chuck Knoblauch
Chuck Knoblauch
Edward Charles "Chuck" Knoblauch is a retired Major League Baseball player. He played all or part of twelve seasons in the majors, from until , for the Minnesota Twins , New York Yankees and Kansas City Royals...
to the New York Yankees
New York Yankees
The New York Yankees are a professional baseball team based in the The Bronx, New York. They compete in Major League Baseball in the American League's East Division...
for four players, including two future All-Stars: shortstop Cristian Guzman
Cristian Guzmán
Cristian Antonio Guzmán is a Dominican baseball player who plays second base and shortstop, who is currently a free agent.-Minnesota Twins:...
and pitcher Eric Milton
Eric Milton
Eric Robert Milton is a former American left-handed starting pitcher in Major League Baseball...
. In 1999, he again unloaded Rick Aguilera
Rick Aguilera
Richard Warren Aguilera is a former Major League Baseball pitcher. During a 16-year baseball career, he pitched from 1985-2000 for the New York Mets, Minnesota Twins, Boston Red Sox, and Chicago Cubs....
and received future starter Kyle Lohse
Kyle Lohse
Kyle Matthew Lohse is a right-handed starting pitcher for the St. Louis Cardinals. Originally drafted by the Chicago Cubs in , Lohse was traded to the Minnesota Twins in in a deal involving Rick Aguilera. Lohse made his MLB debut with the Twins on June 22, .Lohse is a member of the Nomlaki...
. At the end of the year, he traded for future Cy Young Award
Cy Young Award
The Cy Young Award is an honor given annually in baseball to the best pitchers in Major League Baseball , one each for the American League and National League . The award was first introduced in 1956 by Baseball Commissioner Ford Frick in honor of Hall of Fame pitcher Cy Young, who died in 1955...
winner Johan Santana
Johan Santana
Johan Alexander Santana Araque is a Major League Baseball left-handed starting pitcher who is currently playing for the New York Mets. He is a native of Venezuela....
, who was picked up in the Rule 5 Draft
Rule 5 draft
The Rule 5 draft is a Major League Baseball player draft that occurs each year in December, at the annual Winter Meeting of general managers. The Rule 5 draft aims to prevent teams from stockpiling too many young players on their minor league affiliate teams when other teams would be willing to...
by the Florida Marlins
Florida Marlins
The Miami Marlins are a professional baseball team based in Miami, Florida, United States. Established in 1993 as an expansion franchise called the Florida Marlins, the Marlins are a member of the Eastern Division of Major League Baseball's National League. The Marlins played their home games at...
from the Houston Astros
Houston Astros
The Houston Astros are a Major League Baseball team located in Houston, Texas. They are a member of the National League Central division. The Astros are expected to join the American League West division in 2013. Since , they have played their home games at Minute Maid Park, known as Enron Field...
. In July 2001, the Twins traded outfielder Matt Lawton
Matt Lawton
Matthew "Matt" Lawton, Jr. is a retired professional baseball whose career spanned 15 seasons, including 12 seasons in Major League Baseball. Lawton, an outfielder, made his major league debut September 5, 1995, with the Minnesota Twins, who signed him four years prior...
to the New York Mets
New York Mets
The New York Mets are a professional baseball team based in the borough of Queens in New York City, New York. They belong to Major League Baseball's National League East Division. One of baseball's first expansion teams, the Mets were founded in 1962 to replace New York's departed National League...
for pitcher Rick Reed
Rick Reed (pitcher)
Richard Allen Reed is a former starting pitcher in Major League Baseball who played for the Pittsburgh Pirates , Kansas City Royals , Texas Rangers , Cincinnati Reds , New York Mets and Minnesota Twins...
.
Postseason success
Ryan continued making strong trades that enable the team to remain competitive. For example, in July 2002, he traded little-used outfielder Brian BuchananBrian Buchanan
Brian James Buchanan is a former Major League Baseball outfielder. He played for Fairfax High School in Fairfax, Virginia, where he excelled not only at hitting but at pitching as well and was named First Team All-Region for all of Northern Virginia. He once played for the St...
(also acquired in the Knoblauch trade) to the San Diego Padres
San Diego Padres
The San Diego Padres are a Major League Baseball team based in San Diego, California. They play in the National League Western Division. Founded in 1969, the Padres have won the National League Pennant twice, in 1984 and 1998, losing in the World Series both times...
for Jason Bartlett, now back with the Padres after being traded from the Twins to the Rays and then to the Padres. That year, the team made the postseason for the first time since the 1991 World Champion team
1991 Minnesota Twins
The Minnesota Twins won the World Series, the second time the Twins had won the World Series since moving to Minnesota in .The Twins finished 95-67, first in the AL West.2,293,842 fans attended Twins games, the eighth highest total in the American League....
and defeated the heavily favored Oakland Athletics
Oakland Athletics
The Oakland Athletics are a Major League Baseball team based in Oakland, California. The Athletics are a member of the Western Division of Major League Baseball's American League. From to the present, the Athletics have played in the O.co Coliseum....
in the 2002 American League Division Series
2002 American League Division Series
-Oakland Athletics vs. Minnesota Twins:-Game 1, October 1:Yankee Stadium in Bronx, New YorkThe game went back and forth with the Angels taking a 5–4 lead into the bottom of the eighth inning. Anaheim manager Mike Scioscia brought in Scott Schoeneweis to pitch to Jason Giambi, who tied the game...
. After the 2002 season
2002 Minnesota Twins
After facing contraction talks at the previous winter meeting, and coming out of a second place finish in the AL Central with a pitching staff with only 2 players with an ERA under four, the 2002 Minnesota Twins won the division and made it to the ALCS with the youngest team in the league, and with...
, the Twins organization was named Organization of the Year by Baseball America and SportsTicker, while Ryan was named Executive of the Year by The Sporting News.
In 2003, Ryan swapped outfielder Bobby Kielty
Bobby Kielty
Robert Micheal Kielty is an American professional baseball outfielder for the San Diego Padres of Major League Baseball.-College :...
for accomplished veteran leadoff hitter Shannon Stewart. This move was credited with jump-starting the team and enabling them to repeat as division champions. In November 2003, Ryan sent popular catcher A.J. Pierzynski to the San Francisco Giants, gaining closer Joe Nathan
Joe Nathan
Joseph Michael Nathan is an American professional baseball pitcher for the Texas Rangers of Major League Baseball . Nathan started out his baseball career as a shortstop in high school but converted to a pitcher after being drafted by the San Francisco Giants...
, and starting pitchers Francisco Liriano
Francisco Liriano
Francisco Liriano y Casillas is a left-handed Major League Baseball starting pitcher for the Minnesota Twins.-Professional career:...
and Boof Bonser
Boof Bonser
Boof Bonser is a professional American baseball player. He is currently a pitcher in the New York Mets organization of Major League Baseball.-High school career:...
. Another strong trade occurred a month later, when Ryan sent starter Eric Milton
Eric Milton
Eric Robert Milton is a former American left-handed starting pitcher in Major League Baseball...
to the Philadelphia Phillies
Philadelphia Phillies
The Philadelphia Phillies are a Major League Baseball team. They are the oldest continuous, one-name, one-city franchise in all of professional American sports, dating to 1883. The Phillies are a member of the Eastern Division of Major League Baseball's National League...
for starter Carlos Silva and infielder Nick Punto
Nick Punto
Nicholas Paul Punto is a Major League Baseball utility player. He has played second base, third base, shortstop, and center field. Punto is a switch hitter and throws right-handed....
. His most recent trades affecting the current team were in December 2005, when he received second baseman Luis Castillo
Luis Castillo (baseball player)
Luis Antonio Castillo is a Major League Baseball second baseman who is currently a free agent. Castillo is a three-time All-Star, three-time Gold Glove winner, and won the World Series with the Florida Marlins in 2003....
from the Florida Marlins
Florida Marlins
The Miami Marlins are a professional baseball team based in Miami, Florida, United States. Established in 1993 as an expansion franchise called the Florida Marlins, the Marlins are a member of the Eastern Division of Major League Baseball's National League. The Marlins played their home games at...
for two minor leaguers. He also traded pitcher J.C. Romero
J.C. Romero
Juan Carlos Romero is a Puerto Rican professional baseball pitcher. He has played for the Minnesota Twins , the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim , the Boston Red Sox, Philadelphia Phillies and Colorado Rockies....
to the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim
Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim
The Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim are a professional baseball team based in Anaheim, California, United States. The Angels are a member of the Western Division of Major League Baseball's American League. The "Angels" name originates from the city in which the team started, Los Angeles...
for Alexi Casilla
Alexi Casilla
Alexi Casilla Lora is a Major League Baseball second baseman and shortstop for the Minnesota Twins.-Professional career:...
.
Notable trades
- July 6, 1995: Traded closer Rick AguileraRick AguileraRichard Warren Aguilera is a former Major League Baseball pitcher. During a 16-year baseball career, he pitched from 1985-2000 for the New York Mets, Minnesota Twins, Boston Red Sox, and Chicago Cubs....
to the Boston Red SoxBoston Red SoxThe Boston Red Sox are a professional baseball team based in Boston, Massachusetts, and a member of Major League Baseball’s American League Eastern Division. Founded in as one of the American League's eight charter franchises, the Red Sox's home ballpark has been Fenway Park since . The "Red Sox"...
for pitcher Frank RodriguezFrank Rodriguez (baseball)Francisco Rodriguez is a former major league pitcher.-Amateur career:Rodriguez won the Dick Howser Trophy in 1991. At the time of the award, Rodriguez was playing for Howard Junior College in Big Spring, Texas...
and a player to be named later. The Twins were able to re-sign Aguilera on December 11. - July 7, 1995: Traded pitcher Scott EricksonScott EricksonScott Gavin Erickson is a former Major League Baseball pitcher.-Career:Erickson was born in Long Beach, California, and began his professional career, after being drafted by the NY Mets in 1986, Houston Astros in 1987, and Toronto Blue Jays in 1988, in when he was drafted by the Minnesota Twins...
to the Baltimore OriolesBaltimore OriolesThe Baltimore Orioles are a professional baseball team based in Baltimore, Maryland in the United States. They are a member of the Eastern Division of Major League Baseball's American League. One of the American League's eight charter franchises in 1901, it spent its first year as a major league...
for pitcher Scott KlingenbeckScott KlingenbeckScott Klingenbeck was a Major League Baseball pitcher. Klingenbeck graduated from Oak Hills High School in 1989, and then attended Ohio State University. He played in the MLB for a total of 4 years, with the Baltimore Orioles, Minnesota Twins, and Cincinnati Reds.-External links:* provided by...
and a player to be named later. - July 31, 1995: Traded pitchers Kevin TapaniKevin TapaniKevin Ray Tapani is a former Major League Baseball pitcher who played for the New York Mets, Minnesota Twins, Los Angeles Dodgers, Chicago White Sox, and Chicago Cubs from 1989 to 2001.-Early life:...
and Mark GuthrieMark GuthrieMark Andrew Guthrie is a former Major League Baseball relief pitcher. He was a member of the 1991 World Series Champion Minnesota Twins....
to the Los Angeles DodgersLos Angeles DodgersThe Los Angeles Dodgers are a professional baseball team based in Los Angeles, California. The Dodgers are members of Major League Baseball's National League West Division. Established in 1883, the team originated in Brooklyn, New York, where it was known by a number of nicknames before becoming...
for infielder Ron CoomerRon CoomerRonald "Coom Dawg" Coomer is a former first baseman and third baseman in Major League Baseball who had a 9-year career from to . He played for the Minnesota Twins, New York Yankees, Chicago Cubs and Los Angeles Dodgers...
, pitchers Greg HansellGreg HansellGregory Michael Hansell in Bellflower, California, is a former Major League Baseball pitcher.Hansell played for four different major league ballclubs during his career: the Los Angeles Dodgers , Minnesota Twins , Milwaukee Brewers , and Pittsburgh Pirates...
and José ParraJosé Parra (baseball)José Miguel Parra was a Major League Baseball right-handed pitcher who played from -. He also played two seasons in Japan, for the Yomiuri Giants in and the Orix Buffaloes in , as well as in South Korea and Taiwan.-External links:...
, and a player to be named later. The Dodgers sent outfielder Chris Latham to the Twins on October 30 to complete the trade. - August 29, 1996: Traded Dave HollinsDave HollinsDavid Michael Hollins is a former third baseman in Major League Baseball. He played baseball at Orchard Park High School, where he graduated in 1984. He attended the University of South Carolina. He was selected by the San Diego Padres in the 6th round of the 1987 amateur draft...
to the Seattle MarinersSeattle MarinersThe Seattle Mariners are a professional baseball team based in Seattle, Washington. Enfranchised in , the Mariners are a member of the Western Division of Major League Baseball's American League. Safeco Field has been the Mariners' home ballpark since July...
for a player to be named later. On September 31, the Mariners sent David OrtizDavid OrtizDavid Américo Ortiz Arias , known as David Ortiz, nicknamed "Big Papi", is a Dominican American professional baseball player who is currently a free agent. Previously, Ortiz played with the Minnesota Twins and Boston Red Sox...
to the Twins to complete the trade. - August 20, 1997: Traded Roberto KellyRoberto KellyRoberto Conrado Kelly is a former Outfielder in Major League Baseball and is currently the first base coach for the San Francisco Giants. He previously managed the Giants' single-A team, the Augusta GreenJackets. Kelly played for several major league clubs...
to the Seattle MarinersSeattle MarinersThe Seattle Mariners are a professional baseball team based in Seattle, Washington. Enfranchised in , the Mariners are a member of the Western Division of Major League Baseball's American League. Safeco Field has been the Mariners' home ballpark since July...
for players to be named later. On October 9, the Mariners sent the Twins future all-star Joe MaysJoe MaysJoeseph Emerson Mays is a former Major League Baseball right-handed pitcher.Mays is a 1994 graduate of Southeast High School in Bradenton, Florida. He also attended Manatee Community College in Bradenton. He and his wife, Melinda , have two children.Mays began his major league career with the...
and a minor leaguer to complete the deal. - February 16, 1998: Traded second baseman Chuck KnoblauchChuck KnoblauchEdward Charles "Chuck" Knoblauch is a retired Major League Baseball player. He played all or part of twelve seasons in the majors, from until , for the Minnesota Twins , New York Yankees and Kansas City Royals...
to the New York YankeesNew York YankeesThe New York Yankees are a professional baseball team based in the The Bronx, New York. They compete in Major League Baseball in the American League's East Division...
in exchange for outfielder Brian BuchananBrian BuchananBrian James Buchanan is a former Major League Baseball outfielder. He played for Fairfax High School in Fairfax, Virginia, where he excelled not only at hitting but at pitching as well and was named First Team All-Region for all of Northern Virginia. He once played for the St...
, shortstop Cristian GuzmanCristian GuzmánCristian Antonio Guzmán is a Dominican baseball player who plays second base and shortstop, who is currently a free agent.-Minnesota Twins:...
, pitcher Eric MiltonEric MiltonEric Robert Milton is a former American left-handed starting pitcher in Major League Baseball...
, pitcher Danny Mota, and cash. - May 21, 1999: Traded Rick AguileraRick AguileraRichard Warren Aguilera is a former Major League Baseball pitcher. During a 16-year baseball career, he pitched from 1985-2000 for the New York Mets, Minnesota Twins, Boston Red Sox, and Chicago Cubs....
and Scott Downs to the Chicago Cubs for pitchers Kyle LohseKyle LohseKyle Matthew Lohse is a right-handed starting pitcher for the St. Louis Cardinals. Originally drafted by the Chicago Cubs in , Lohse was traded to the Minnesota Twins in in a deal involving Rick Aguilera. Lohse made his MLB debut with the Twins on June 22, .Lohse is a member of the Nomlaki...
and Jason RyanJason Ryan (baseball)Jason Paul Ryan is a retired Major League Baseball pitcher. He played during two seasons at the major league level for the Minnesota Twins. He was drafted by the Chicago Cubs in the 9th round of the amateur draft...
. - December 13, 1999: Under the Rule 5 DraftRule 5 draftThe Rule 5 draft is a Major League Baseball player draft that occurs each year in December, at the annual Winter Meeting of general managers. The Rule 5 draft aims to prevent teams from stockpiling too many young players on their minor league affiliate teams when other teams would be willing to...
, the Twins sent minor leaguer Jared Camp and cash to the Florida Marlins in exchange for future Cy Young Award winner Johan SantanaJohan SantanaJohan Alexander Santana Araque is a Major League Baseball left-handed starting pitcher who is currently playing for the New York Mets. He is a native of Venezuela....
. - September 9, 2000: Traded pitcher Héctor CarrascoHéctor CarrascoHéctor Pacheco Pipo Carrasco is a former Major League Baseball relief pitcher...
to the Boston Red SoxBoston Red SoxThe Boston Red Sox are a professional baseball team based in Boston, Massachusetts, and a member of Major League Baseball’s American League Eastern Division. Founded in as one of the American League's eight charter franchises, the Red Sox's home ballpark has been Fenway Park since . The "Red Sox"...
for outfielder Lew FordLew FordJon Lewis "Lew" Ford is a former MLB outfielder who is currently playing for the Long Island Ducks of the independent Atlantic League. Ford was a member of the Ducks in 2009 when he posted 10 home runs, 2 triples, and 55 RBI in 93 games. The Texas native finished second in the league in batting...
. - July 30, 2001: Traded outfielder Matt LawtonMatt LawtonMatthew "Matt" Lawton, Jr. is a retired professional baseball whose career spanned 15 seasons, including 12 seasons in Major League Baseball. Lawton, an outfielder, made his major league debut September 5, 1995, with the Minnesota Twins, who signed him four years prior...
to the New York MetsNew York MetsThe New York Mets are a professional baseball team based in the borough of Queens in New York City, New York. They belong to Major League Baseball's National League East Division. One of baseball's first expansion teams, the Mets were founded in 1962 to replace New York's departed National League...
for pitcher Rick ReedRick Reed (pitcher)Richard Allen Reed is a former starting pitcher in Major League Baseball who played for the Pittsburgh Pirates , Kansas City Royals , Texas Rangers , Cincinnati Reds , New York Mets and Minnesota Twins...
. - July 12, 2002: Traded Brian BuchananBrian BuchananBrian James Buchanan is a former Major League Baseball outfielder. He played for Fairfax High School in Fairfax, Virginia, where he excelled not only at hitting but at pitching as well and was named First Team All-Region for all of Northern Virginia. He once played for the St...
to the San Diego PadresSan Diego PadresThe San Diego Padres are a Major League Baseball team based in San Diego, California. They play in the National League Western Division. Founded in 1969, the Padres have won the National League Pennant twice, in 1984 and 1998, losing in the World Series both times...
for shortstop Jason Bartlett. - July 16, 2003: Traded Bobby KieltyBobby KieltyRobert Micheal Kielty is an American professional baseball outfielder for the San Diego Padres of Major League Baseball.-College :...
to the Toronto Blue JaysToronto Blue JaysThe Toronto Blue Jays are a professional baseball team located in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. The Blue Jays are a member of the Eastern Division of Major League Baseball 's American League ....
for Shannon Stewart. - November 14, 2003: Traded catcher A.J. Pierzynski and cash to the San Francisco GiantsSan Francisco GiantsThe San Francisco Giants are a Major League Baseball team based in San Francisco, California, playing in the National League West Division....
. Received pitchers Joe NathanJoe NathanJoseph Michael Nathan is an American professional baseball pitcher for the Texas Rangers of Major League Baseball . Nathan started out his baseball career as a shortstop in high school but converted to a pitcher after being drafted by the San Francisco Giants...
, Francisco LirianoFrancisco LirianoFrancisco Liriano y Casillas is a left-handed Major League Baseball starting pitcher for the Minnesota Twins.-Professional career:...
, and Boof BonserBoof BonserBoof Bonser is a professional American baseball player. He is currently a pitcher in the New York Mets organization of Major League Baseball.-High school career:...
. - December 3, 2003: Traded pitcher Eric MiltonEric MiltonEric Robert Milton is a former American left-handed starting pitcher in Major League Baseball...
to the Philadelphia PhilliesPhiladelphia PhilliesThe Philadelphia Phillies are a Major League Baseball team. They are the oldest continuous, one-name, one-city franchise in all of professional American sports, dating to 1883. The Phillies are a member of the Eastern Division of Major League Baseball's National League...
for pitcher Carlos Silva, infielder Nick PuntoNick PuntoNicholas Paul Punto is a Major League Baseball utility player. He has played second base, third base, shortstop, and center field. Punto is a switch hitter and throws right-handed....
, and a player to be named later (Bobby KoreckyBobby KoreckyRobert John Korecky is a Major League Baseball relief pitcher who is currently in the Toronto Blue Jays organization...
). - December 2, 2005: Traded Travis BowyerTravis BowyerTravis Charlton Bowyer is a relief pitcher in the Florida Marlins organization. He is listed at 6 foot, 3 inches and 210 pounds. He bats and throws right-handed....
and Scott Tyler to the Florida MarlinsFlorida MarlinsThe Miami Marlins are a professional baseball team based in Miami, Florida, United States. Established in 1993 as an expansion franchise called the Florida Marlins, the Marlins are a member of the Eastern Division of Major League Baseball's National League. The Marlins played their home games at...
for second baseman Luis Castillo. - December 9, 2005: Traded J.C. RomeroJ.C. RomeroJuan Carlos Romero is a Puerto Rican professional baseball pitcher. He has played for the Minnesota Twins , the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim , the Boston Red Sox, Philadelphia Phillies and Colorado Rockies....
to the Los Angeles Angels of AnaheimLos Angeles Angels of AnaheimThe Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim are a professional baseball team based in Anaheim, California, United States. The Angels are a member of the Western Division of Major League Baseball's American League. The "Angels" name originates from the city in which the team started, Los Angeles...
for infielder Alexi CasillaAlexi CasillaAlexi Casilla Lora is a Major League Baseball second baseman and shortstop for the Minnesota Twins.-Professional career:...
. - July 30, 2007: Traded second baseman Luis Castillo to the New York MetsNew York MetsThe New York Mets are a professional baseball team based in the borough of Queens in New York City, New York. They belong to Major League Baseball's National League East Division. One of baseball's first expansion teams, the Mets were founded in 1962 to replace New York's departed National League...
for minor league prospects Drew ButeraDrew ButeraAndrew Edward Butera is a major league baseball catcher for the Minnesota Twins. The 6'1", 210 lbs. right-hander is the son of former Major league catcher Sal Butera, who played for the Twins from to and again in...
(catcher) and Dustin MartinDustin MartinDustin Martin is a professional Australian rules football player currently signed with Richmond in the Australian Football League . In 2009 he played with the Bendigo Pioneers and the Victoria Country side in the under-18 national championships...
(center fielder).
Stepping down
On September 13, 2007, it was announced that Ryan would be stepping down as general manager for the Twins after 12 seasons. He was replaced by assistant general manager Bill Smith, but remained in the Twins organization as a senior adviser.Return as Interim
On November 7, 2011, Twins owner Jim PohladJim Pohlad
Jim Pohlad is the owner of the Minnesota Twins of the American League. Upon the death of his father, Carl Pohlad, on January 5th, 2009, he inherited ownership of the Twins franchise.-External links:*...
fired Smith after a 99-loss season - the first time that the Twins had fired a general manager since relocating from Washington, D.C.
Washington, D.C.
Washington, D.C., formally the District of Columbia and commonly referred to as Washington, "the District", or simply D.C., is the capital of the United States. On July 16, 1790, the United States Congress approved the creation of a permanent national capital as permitted by the U.S. Constitution....
. Ryan, who had remained with the team in a consultant role since stepping down as GM after the season, returned to the job on an interim basis.