BILL SMITH
Game 713 | April 3, 2008 | Ron Gardenhire, Bill Smith
With less than a month remaining in the 2007 Twins baseball season, long-time General Manager Terry Ryan stepped down and was replaced by his long-time assistant, Smith. It was a busy off-season for Smith as the team was unable to come to terms with star pitcher Johan Santana and popular center fielder Torii Hunter. Smith traded Santana to the New York Mets for center fielder Carlos Gomez and three minor league pitchers. Hunter signed as a free agent with the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. In addition, Smith traded shortstop Jason Bartlett and promising pitcher Matt Garza to Tampa Bay for left fielder Delmon Young and utility infielder Brendan Harris. Gardenhire piloted his young team to a surprisingly good 88-75 record, losing the divisional title to the Chicago White Sox in a one-game playoff.
Game 736 | May 28, 2009 | Ron Gardenhire, Bill Smith, Joe Vavra
It was a repeat visit for Manager Gardenhire and General Manager Smith, but Vavra fielded a number of questions about the role of Batting Coach and his thoughts on hitting in various situations.
Game 755 | May 5, 2010 | Bill Smith, Ron Gardenhire
The Twins General Manager and Manager talked about their team and life at new Target Field. The team later clinched its sixth division title in nine seasons, and Gardenhire was named "American League Manager of the Year."
Game 774 | May 25, 2011 | Ron Gardenhire, Bill Smith
Filled with enthusiasm after a strong spring training, the Twins manager and general manager talked about prospects for 2011 with a payroll in excess of $110 million. Newly acquired second baseman Tsuyoshi Nishioka broke his leg in the first week of the season. Joe Mauer and Justin Morneau missed major parts of the year and the team stumbled into last place with a record of 63-99. Smith was fired after the season as Terry Ryan returned as Twins general manager.
Wikipedia: Bill Smith
