Twins dismiss GM Bill Smith

MINNEAPOLIS The Minnesota Twins made a major change in their front office Monday: Bill Smith is out as the team's general manager. Smith, who took over as the Twins' GM at the end of the 2007 season, will be replaced on an interim basis by Terry Ryan. Ryan has been in the Twins' organization for more than 28 years, including 13 seasons as the team's GM from 1994-2007. Smith was a member of the Twins organization since 1986 and took over as GM in October of 2007. Since then, Minnesota won two American League Central titles in 2009 and 2010. But the 2011 season was the worst in recent memory for the Twins, as they lost 99 games and finished last in the division. "No one in the Twins' organization wants to win any more than Bill," Twins owner and CEO Jim Pohlad said in a statement. "He is unquestionably loyal, committed and talented. The Twins goal is to get better in 2012 and beyond. Bill was equally motivated to achieve that goal but we differed in the scope and approach that was required. Going forward, we intend to have additional discussions with Bill about an ongoing role within the organization." Prior to assuming the title of general manager, Smith worked under Ryan for 13 seasons as the Vice PresidentAssistant General Manager. He also worked in the Chicago White Sox organization before joining the Twins. "Working for the Minnesota Twins for the past 26 seasons has been the greatest professional privilege I could have ever imagined," Smith said in a statement. "I will be forever grateful to the Pohlad family for the many wonderful opportunities they have provided to me, including the chance to sit in the general manager's chair for the past four seasons." Ryan will be re-introduced as the team's general manager at a press conference at 4:30 p.m. at Target Field in Minneapolis. "As we move ahead, I'm looking forward to the challenge of improving this club for 2012 and beyond," Ryan said in a statement. "We have many assets in place including a strong front office, manager, coaching staff and returning core of players. We have a lot of work to do in relation to development of our roster, but I'm optimistic in our collective abilities to ensure the future on-field success of this franchise."