Ryan's job was never in jeopardy
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The job of Twins GM Terry Ryan was never in danger.
The Minnesota Twins, unlike the New York Yankees, don't fire people for missing the playoffs. Not unless it was a monumentally bad, bottom-of-the-league season, and sometimes not even then! (Anyone remember that the Twins stuck with Tom Kelly and went from worst to first a couple decades ago?
So, no, Terry Ryan's job was always secure in Minnesota. Anyone who wins a division title in four of the last six seasons is A-OK on job security in Minnesota's book.
But last week, Ryan shocked nearly everyone by announcing he'd be stepping down at the end of the season as the Twins general manager. But Ryan won't become a spendy guest speaker at auto shows, talking about car spoilers. Nor will he be looking for work with another ball club.
He's only 52, after all, and he has plenty left to offer the Twins organization. Instead, by his own choice, he's stepping down from being GM to return to the Twins' scouting ranks.
You see, despite 12 seasons at the top of the pecking order, Ryan decided to go "quality of life" and return to what he enjoys most... scouting talent for the Twins. And he's one of the best at it; he never cared for being a paper shuffler or all of the business-oriented administrative duties that come with being GM.
Taking his place will be 49-year-old Billy Smith, an internal promotion for the Twins, who've made a habit of churning out top baseball executives, not just great player scouting.
It will be interesting to see if Smith is ready to step up to the plate and perform at a level worthy of the man he's succeeding.
