Apparently, I’m not the only one who thinks it’s strange that Twins’ new Chief Baseball Officer Derek Falvey continues to hang out with his former team — the Cleveland Indians — even though he was hired by the Twins two weeks ago.
That’s the thrust of a new story from Phil Miller of the Strib, which points out that the more time he spends with the possibly World Series-bound Indians, the more it creates an awkward situation for the Twins and delays the need for some near-term decisions for the club.
To be fair, prior to being hired by the Twins, Falvey had spent his entire career with the Tribe and likely is relishing the team’s undefeated play so far in the postseason.
Here’s more from Miller’s story:
On Falvey’s current situation:
As an Indians assistant GM, Falvey has daily responsibilities with his soon-to-be-former team, providing scouting reports and helping Cleveland manager Terry Francona and his coaching staff with game preparation. It’s an exciting time for that organization, given that the Indians are 6-0 this postseason and a victory away from their first pennant since 1997.
On what he hasn’t done so far for the Twins:
But that success means Falvey can’t move into his Target Field office, begin assembling his staff, hire minor league managers and coaching staffs or make decisions about the Twins’ 40-man roster until at least next week. And should the Indians make the World Series? Game 7 is scheduled for Nov. 2 — only five days before the MLB general managers’ meetings in Scottsdale, Ariz.
On what he needs to do:
Offseason rosters don’t have to be set until Nov. 18, and the Twins have no contractual deadlines — triggering options, for instance — to deal with right away, which takes some of the pressure off. Falvey is learning as much as he can about the Twins during his free time, (President Dave) St. Peter said, and he is frequently briefed by (interim GM Rob) Antony and St. Peter, though both sides are careful to observe the MLB mandate about working for only one club at a time.
On who is filling in for him in his absence:
For now, Antony is handling all decisions that cannot wait, assembling information on choices that Falvey will have to make quickly once he arrives, and making sure that normal offseason functions are running normally. Decisions about contracts for Molitor’s coaching staff, minor league staffs and scouts might need to be made before Falvey’s arrival.
Decisions about contracts for Molitor’s coaching staff, minor league staffs and scouts might need to be made before Falvey’s arrival?
Talk about awkward.
Mike Berardino of the Pioneer Press couldn’t help but notice that, too.
"Pretty weird," said person w/direct knowledge. World Series would stretch into November if it goes past 5. Coach contracts run thru October
— Mike Berardino (@MikeBerardino) October 17, 2016
Derek Falvey was announced as #MNTwins CBO 2 weeks ago today, but I'm told 7-man coaching staff still remains in limbo until CLE run ends.
— Mike Berardino (@MikeBerardino) October 17, 2016