The Twins yesterday introduced Exec VP & Chief Baseball Officer Derek Falvey and Senior VP & GM Thad Levine, and they "made a positive first impression by outlining their global strategy," according to Chip Scoggins of the Minneapolis STAR TRIBUNE. With the new hires, the Twins have "upgraded from dial-up to fiber optics by overhauling their structure and placing their baseball operation in the hands of two outsiders who bring institutional knowledge of winning organizations and deep understanding of analytics." But nothing "guarantees Falvey, at age 33, will have the same magical touch as other young baseball executives." However, this new path is "necessary for an organization that is stuck in quicksand." The Twins "need new ideas and fresh strategy, someone not married to the old Twins Way." Owner Jim Pohlad "admitted that he didn’t meet Levine until Sunday night." He merely signed off on his new GM "based on Falvey’s recommendation." Pohlad: "Derek is responsible for the baseball department, and he can make any decisions he wants to by himself." Scoggins notes both Falvey and Levine "repeatedly referenced their desire for collaboration in making decisions" (Minneapolis STAR TRIBUNE, 11/8). In Minneapolis, La Velle Neal III notes Falvey "indicated that front office staff will remain intact." Both Falvey and Levine, who each signed five-year contracts, are "passionate about making people better, and plans are to add to the staff." Pohlad said that he will "provide Falvey with the resources he needs to bolster the staff, improve scouting and development." But a "blockbuster trade or impact free-agent signing won’t come any time soon." Levine: "I don’t think we’ll do anything purposely to make a splash. We want to make very thoughtful decisions that are designed for the future of this organization" (Minneapolis STAR TRIBUNE, 11/8).
