More than a month after the Twins announced that the team had hired Derek Falvey away from the Cleveland Indians to be the club’s first chief baseball officer, the Twins finally introduced him to local media and Minnesota on Monday.
Jim Pohlad, Derek Falvey, Thad Levine and Dave St. Peter are ready to meet with the media pic.twitter.com/Y3OUzRCo9A
— Rhett Bollinger (@RhettBollinger) November 7, 2016
It took that long because Falvey, as assistant general manager of the Indians, stuck with the team as the Tribe rolled through the postseason to meet the Chicago Cubs in a series that went the distance.
Falvey wasn’t alone on Monday. Alongside him was the Twins’ new GM, Thad Levine, formerly of the Texas Rangers, as well as current president, David St. Peter, and owner Jim Pohlad.
After the long wait, I can say this: Falvey seemed to hit the right notes for a team that lost 103 games last season. Here’s how the Strib captured the moment:
(I should add that I read this story Monday afternoon on the Strib website, but could not find it Monday night, so, sorry, there’s no link).
Falvey on Twins manager Paul Molitor:
“No one was more upset by the on-field result than Paul Molitor,” said Falvey. “We are aligned on our vision. I’ve been impressed with his approach to planning.”
“Paul will be a member of our leadership team.”
On interim GM Rob Antony:
Antony was interim GM during the past two months, and Falvey said he expects Antony will remain with the team as vice president of baseball operations/assistant general manager.
On using analytics:
“We will have a commitment to understanding metrics but we’ll always making human decisions.”
“We want to be evidenced based. It doesn’t just come from analytics or number … also scouting information, medical information … it’s a marriage of all that information.”
On his goals for the team:
“The goal here is straight forward and measurable. It’s to build a sustainable, championship-caliber team. I look forward to being the person to bring championship baseball back to the organization.”
“This is one of the most proud, resilient franchises in baseball and has one of the most knowledgeable fan bases.”
Extra innings:
-The Twins apparently have some interest in reliever Greg Holland of the Kansas City Royals, according to MLB Trade Rumors. Holland missed all of 2016 to Tommy John surgery. Prior to his surgery, though, he racked up 145 saves, including 47 in 2013 and 46 in 2014.
Today marks dawn of a new era for @Twins baseball as we welcome Derek Falvey & Thad Levine. Right leadership tandem at the right time.
— Dave St. Peter (@TwinsPrez) November 7, 2016