Minnesota Twins fire GM Terry Ryan, Paul Molitor retained

The last-place Minnesota Twins fired executive vice president/general manager Terry Ryan on Monday.

The Twins announced that vice president/assistant GM Rob Antony will replace Ryan on an interim basis.

Minnesota informed manager Paul Molitor on Sunday that he would be retained despite the transition. Under Molitor, the Twins are 116-138 in two seasons.

After a 1-0 loss to Detroit on Monday night, the Twins posessed the worst record in the majors at 33-59.

The Twins are headed toward their fourth last-place finish in the last six years. Minnesota has not reached the postseason since 2010, the year before Ryan returned as the Twins' GM.

"Since joining our organization as a player in 1972, Terry has been a dedicated, loyal and respected member of the Minnesota Twins family," Twins owner and CEO Jim Pohlad said in a statement. "Terry has been a gifted leader of the baseball department for over 18 seasons. It is impossible to overstate his contribution to our game, our team and the Upper Midwest baseball community. The decision to part ways with Terry was difficult, painful and not obvious. We are extremely grateful and very thankful to Terry, his wife Karilyn and their family for being a part of the Minnesota Twins."

Ryan was named GM on Nov. 7, 2011, after spending the previous four seasons as a special assistant to general manager Bill Smith (2008-11). He was originally named as the fourth general manager in Twins history on Sept. 13, 1994, holding that position until stepping down following the 2007 season.

"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 a statement. "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 began his professional career with the Twins in 1972 after being drafted in the 35th round. He pitched in the Twins' minor league system for four seasons, posting a 14-3 record, including 10-0 in 1973, before an arm injury cut his career short.

The Twins won the American League Central Division title in four of Ryan's last 10 years as general manager (2002-04 and 2006). He has twice been named Sporting News Executive of the Year (2002 and 2006), and was also named Baseball America's Major League Executive of the Year in 2004.

Antony is in his 29th season in the Twins' organization and his ninth as assistant GM after being named to that role on Sept. 13, 2007.