Smith returns to Twins after being fired as GM

Bill Smith is staying in the Minnesota Twins organization after being fired as general manager. Twins President Dave St. Peter announced on Friday morning that Smith has accepted a position as assistant to the president and general manager. Smith was fired in November after owner Jim Pohlad and St. Peter decided they wanted to go in a different direction to get the team turned around from a disappointing 99-loss season in 2011. Some of Smith's main duties in his new post will include working to help upgrade the team's spring training facilities in Fort Myers, Fla., assess the team's international player development and maintaining relationships with minor league affiliates. Smith has been with the organization for more than 25 years.