Former Cleveland Indians assistant general manager Derek Falvey was named executive vice president and chief baseball officer of the Twins on Oct. 3. What has happened since then? Very little, as far as I can tell, except that Falvey has made it clear he wants to spend more time with the Indians as they march through the playoffs. The Tribe knocked off the Boston Red Sox in the divisional round of the playoffs and will now meet the Toronto Blue Jays to decide which team advances to the World Series.
Sportswriter Mike Berardino of the Pioneer Press writes that “newly hired chief baseball officer Derek Falvey is scheduled to begin work with the Twins once his Cleveland Indians complete their playoff run.”
For a kid from Saugus, watching #Indians close out this sweep at Fenway had to be pretty sweet for Derek Falvey (center), new #MNTwins CBO. pic.twitter.com/EmDJqqv3yq
— Mike Berardino (@MikeBerardino) October 11, 2016
That’s interesting, because if the Indians get to the World Series and it lasts seven games, Falvey, I guess, wouldn’t report to the Twins until after Nov. 2.
And that doesn’t sit well with me.
No doubt Falvey deserves his moment in the sun for his part in developing the Indians into a winning and potentially World Series bound club. So, Derek, knock back a few beers with the boys, slap some backs, deliver a few “atta boys” and then call it good. After that, to quote Jason Robards from the movie, All The President’s Men, “go on home, get a nice hot bath. Rest up… 15 minutes. Then get your asses back in gear.”
Robards was addressing two people in that scene, but I think the sense of urgency is apt and should apply to the Twins. The Twins lost 103 games this past season, making it the worst season in Twins history. Pitching and defense? Worst in the American League. If Falvey doesn’t feel that sense of urgency, or if the existing front-office personnel haven’t made that clear to him, then I have some real concerns about the likelihood of meaningful change and improvement for the Twins. In other words, this organization shouldn’t be wasting any time with its new hire. Get to Minnesota, Derek. Then get on the phone and get to work. This franchise needs you.
Not to sound mercenary, but if Falvey chooses to hang out with the Indians through an extended playoff run, I say the Twins replace him. I’m serious. Some other qualified people were mentioned during the Twins’ search for a chief baseball officer. Call one of those guys. I bet they’re available.