MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. -- In a statement released by Minnesota Twins officials, it was announced that longtime General Manager Terry Ryan was fired and replaced on an interim basis by assistant GM Rob Antony.

In the midst of a 33-58 season, the Twins had to make a move to shake things up and bring winning back to the Twin Cities that Ryan failed to do frequently late in his tenure with the team after being very successful in the late 90's early 2000's, winning two Executive of the Year Awards in 2002 and 2006.

In the statement, Twins owner and CEO Jim Pohlad, stated: "The decision to part ways with Terry was difficult, painful, and not obvious. We are extremely grateful and very thankful to Terry, his wife Karilyn and their family for being a part of the Minnesota Twins."

Ryan had been with the organization for almost 40 years as a player and executive, and is sad to go but has nothing but respect for everyone who is or had been a part of the organization: "It's been an honor to be a part of the Twins organization and I wish everyone nothing but the best going forward."

Over his 20 plus seasons as GM, Ryan had a record of 1,673-1,950 but built the Twins teams that went on a string of six playoff appearances in eight years from 2002-2010. After a few rebuilding seasons, the Twins took a big step forward last year, but with a major setback this year as the worst team in the league change was a necessity, as big contracts to struggling pitchers Ervin Santana and Phil Hughes have hurt the team moving forward.

Antony in his the 29th season with the Twins organization, as he takes on the General Manager duties after 8 and a half seasons as assistant general manager. The Twins will begin search for a new GM in the coming weeks according to MLB Network.

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