Still Skipping
Twins skipper Ron Gardenhire has watched his team lose 209 times. And that's just since he took over as manager of the club in 2002. The Oklahoma native has been on the Twins staff since their last World Series title. What makes someone who has lost more than 200 games a hot commodity? Winning 276.
In his three years since taking over for Tom Kelly, Gardy has led the Twins to three straight American League division titles. He was named A.L. co-manager of the year this fall and now, it's the icing on the cake. The Twins extended Gardenhire's contract for two seasons, reserving the big chair on the bench for him through the 2007 season.
By posting a 92-70 record last year, Gardy showed his managerial prowess. He dealt with a relatively miniscule payroll of $55 million. Several All-Star caliber players like Eddie Guardado, A.J. Pierzinsky, LaTroy Hawkins and Doug Mientkiewicz all left the team and injuries to Joe Mauer, Cory Koskie and several others only allowed Gardenhire to use his opening day line-up twice all season (Mark Sheldon, MLB.com). Of course, Twins fans didn't notice since we couldn't see the games on TV until a month into the season. And God knows no one is going to go into that giant marshmallow on a sunny spring day to watch a baseball game. But even when we weren't able to see our beloved club, Gardenhire was plugging away, making his team into another winner.
Winning is a plus and necessary for a big league manager to keep his spot in the dugout. But that's not what makes most Minnesotans happy about seeing Gardenhire's contract extension. It's more about who he is. And Gardy's a good guy.
I remember listening to a talk show on AM radio when Tom Kelly was still managing the Twins. I cringed every time a caller would ask a question because I knew T.K. would tear that person's head off. Although he could manage with the best of them, Kelly had no people skills, took all criticism personally and wasn't afraid to let you know if you pissed him off.
Gardenhire is the complete opposite. He's accommodating, polite and has a good-old-boy side to him that must be from his Oklahoma upbringing. It's a simplicity and perspective that came out perfectly when asked about his new contract extension. I can see Gardy's smile as he said, "That's pretty cool." (See poll below)
In his three years since taking over for Tom Kelly, Gardy has led the Twins to three straight American League division titles. He was named A.L. co-manager of the year this fall and now, it's the icing on the cake. The Twins extended Gardenhire's contract for two seasons, reserving the big chair on the bench for him through the 2007 season.
By posting a 92-70 record last year, Gardy showed his managerial prowess. He dealt with a relatively miniscule payroll of $55 million. Several All-Star caliber players like Eddie Guardado, A.J. Pierzinsky, LaTroy Hawkins and Doug Mientkiewicz all left the team and injuries to Joe Mauer, Cory Koskie and several others only allowed Gardenhire to use his opening day line-up twice all season (Mark Sheldon, MLB.com). Of course, Twins fans didn't notice since we couldn't see the games on TV until a month into the season. And God knows no one is going to go into that giant marshmallow on a sunny spring day to watch a baseball game. But even when we weren't able to see our beloved club, Gardenhire was plugging away, making his team into another winner.
Winning is a plus and necessary for a big league manager to keep his spot in the dugout. But that's not what makes most Minnesotans happy about seeing Gardenhire's contract extension. It's more about who he is. And Gardy's a good guy.
I remember listening to a talk show on AM radio when Tom Kelly was still managing the Twins. I cringed every time a caller would ask a question because I knew T.K. would tear that person's head off. Although he could manage with the best of them, Kelly had no people skills, took all criticism personally and wasn't afraid to let you know if you pissed him off.
Gardenhire is the complete opposite. He's accommodating, polite and has a good-old-boy side to him that must be from his Oklahoma upbringing. It's a simplicity and perspective that came out perfectly when asked about his new contract extension. I can see Gardy's smile as he said, "That's pretty cool." (See poll below)
posted by Joe Siple | 6:33 AM
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