It’s official, the Minnesota Twins have found their fall guy. General Manager Thad Levine and the Twins parted ways Friday morning in a move that was announced as a mutual split. In fact, they’re trying to sell it as a Thad decision.
Thad Levine, Minnesota Twins split after 8 years together
According to the Twins, Levine is “departing the Minnesota Twins organization to pursue new challenges and opportunities, both inside and outside of baseball”. As mentioned in the press release, the 52-year-old Levine has been GMing this club since 2016 (8 years).
President of Baseball Operations Derek Falvey Statement:
“Thad’s impact on the Minnesota Twins cannot be overstated. He has been a true partner and leader, always striving to elevate the organization and care for the people around him. Thad helped create a strong team culture, one focused on excellence and collaboration, that will continue well into the future. While we will miss his leadership, we are equally excited to see the next chapter of his journey unfold, and we wish him nothing but success in his future endeavors. I want to personally thank him for everything he has done to help us get better every day.”
“I am grateful to the Pohlad family, Derek Falvey and Dave St. Peter for providing me with such a comprehensive leadership opportunity spanning the last eight years of my career. The time is right for me to pursue my next enriching, professional challenge. I will forever cherish the friendships that I have made in the Minnesota Twins organization and throughout Twins Territory.”
Yes, this is being projected as more of a Thad Levine decision, then it is a Minnesota Twins decision. Of course, any motivation this organization displays publicly should be met with increasing skepticism. From injury timelines, to clubhouse/front office happenings, nobody knows what goes on behind the scenes at Target Field, these days. It has a very Wizard of Oz, ‘man behind the curtain’ feel to it.
Twins people were ‘wondering’ what exactly Thad does on a day-in, day-out basis’…
But if we focus on some of the context clues that have been floated to Minnesota Twins insiders recently, Levine’s departure makes sense, but raises eyebrows on how they are selling it. In other words, I doubt this was Thad’s choice.
There are some people over there who are wondering what Thad [Levine] does on a day-in day-out basis. Certainly busy enough, good relationships with agents when it’s time to think about player acquisitions. But I’m just telling you, I’ve heard from a couple people that wonder, for 12 months a year, day-in and day-out, what does Thad do?
I love the way veteran MN reporter Judd Zulgad chuckles in the background, after Doogie said the line. So good. Phil Mackey also mentions right before this clip that Levine’s contract was believed to be up for renewal, which made this split all the easier, for whichever side pulled the trigger.
Pohlads should sell the team to someone who cares. Should be interesting to see where the games will be televised in 2025 since Diamond Sports Group won't be broadcasting them any longer.
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