“Whatever the 25 guys on the roster, it’s my job to get the most out of those guys.” – Paul Molitor. pic.twitter.com/m9Usz3Kyhv
— MLB (@MLB) November 4, 2014
A new era of Minnesota Twins baseball began on Tuesday with the introduction of new manager Paul Molitor.
Molitor: "It's my job to get the most out of those 25 people on the roster .. helping them believe they can win."
— Mike BerardinoNDI (@MikeBerardino) November 4, 2014
In a press conference at Target Field Tuesday morning, Molitor described his managerial style as one that won’t be tough on players. Being tough on players is necessary, Molitor noted, but said it’s “the last option.”
Molitor: "Different players have different buttons that need to be pushed. You can talk nice and fluffy. You'll be challenged along the way"
— Mike BerardinoNDI (@MikeBerardino) November 4, 2014
Before the press conference began, Molitor made a statement about winning now to the team’s front office.
"We can win now. I didn't come here not to win. I came to win." Paul Molitor addressing Twins front office staff.
— Minnesota Twins (@Twins) November 4, 2014
But the current roster is made up of players who have contributed to four consecutive 90-loss seasons. And Molitor made it clear that he wants to focus on the players he has in at the big-league level, not the pipeline of talent in the minors that may or may develop into contributing players.
And as MLB free agency official opened Tuesday, team owner Jim Pohlad told general manager Terry Ryan that he will have the ability to spend money.
Jim Pohlad: "Terry will spend money where he thinks it's right. He has the ability to do that."
— Mike BerardinoNDI (@MikeBerardino) November 4, 2014
One former Twin already reportedly on the Twins’ radar is outfielder Torii Hunter. Another ex-Twin, Denard Span, who now roams centerfield for the Washington Nationals, got to know Molitor during his days in Minnesota’s minor league system.
“The main thing that stuck out to me about Paul was that he was always even keel,” Span said, according to Twins Daily. “I think that’s important for a manager, especially during a long season.”
Jack Morris and Tom Kelly are among those attending Paul Molitor's introductory press conference. #MNTwins
— Tyler Mason (@tylermason21) November 4, 2014
Ryan said they’ll start discussing this week who the other seven members of the coaching staff will be. They’ll look both inside and outside the organization.
