Twins CEO Chris Clouser resigned yesterday, according to Neal & Olson of the Minneapolis STAR TRIBUNE. While Clouser was hired in May to lobby for a new ballpark and "bring a fresh approach to the" team, he said yesterday, "A better role for me is to be in the board of directors of [Owner Carl Pohlad's] companies. The most important thing is my relationship with Carl, as a boss and a friend, and I think this is the best thing to do with the Twins and everyone who is concerned right now." Ben Hirst, who Clouser hired as the team's General Counsel on the ballpark issue, will also leave. Hirst said that Clouser "was frustrated that Pohlad didn't give him more decision-making power." Hirst: "Carl really hasn't been willing to let go of the reins. That really sums it up." But Clouser said that he was not quitting over power issues. Neal & Olson write that observers believe Clouser "pushed unsuccessfully for changes" in the front office and field staff "late in the 2000 season" (Minneapolis STAR TRIBUNE, 12/13). In St. Paul, Kahn & Walters report that Clouser resigned feeling Pohlad "would do a better job running the team than himself." Clouser: "This is a really critical and important time for the future of the Twins. Carl should call all the shots. He's more experienced at it" (PIONEER PRESS, 12/13).
