MINNEAPOLIS -- When Jim Pohlad came to what he called "a stomach-churning" conclusion that general manager Bill Smith needed to be fired, the Minnesota Twins owner was making the kind of decision rarely seen in one of the most loyal and patient organizations in baseball. A 99-loss season is equally unique in these parts, so Pohlad swallowed hard, made the move and turned to one of the most trusted and revered figures in the organization to pick up the pieces. Terry Ryan reclaimed the job he had for 13 years on Monday, taking over for the man he recommended to take his place when Ryan stepped down four years ago. "In the past week, it was clear to all of us that a change in leadership was in the best interest of our organization," Twins President Dave St. Peter said. "We proceed with that change with a high level of respect and sensitivity to Bill Smith and his family." Widely recognized for their stability, class and ability to make the most out of a medium-range payroll, this was a startling move for the Twins despite the embarrassment and deep disappointment of the 2011 season following two straight AL Central titles. This is the first time since the franchise moved from Washington to Minnesota in 1961 that the Twins have fired a general manager. Calvin Griffith was the owner and general manager until selling the team in 1984. Andy MacPhail became the full-time successor, leaving for a prime job with the Chicago Cubs, and Ryan followed him. Theyve also had two managers -- Tom Kelly and Ron Gardenhire -- since 1984. "We do this with a heavy heart," Pohlad said. "But we also do this knowing that it is whats best for the organization." Pohlad and St. Peter both side-stepped numerous questions about the specific reasons for the decision, saying it came down to "philosophical differences" in the direction of the baseball operations. Ryan stepped down from the position in 2007, citing burnout and growing increasingly impatient with some aspects of the job, including working with some agents and, occasionally, dealing with the media. Ryan remained in the organization on the scouting level and said he turned down several inquiries from other teams about taking over a front office again. On Monday, he said his "batteries are recharged" and hes ready to get back to work. "Im going to take this job head-on," Ryan said. It appears to be an interim job in name only. Ryan said he would have a role in grooming and choosing his eventual successor, but both he and Pohlad said they hoped things went well enough where Ryan would want to keep the job for a while. "I dont know if it will be for one year or 10 years," Ryan said. "(Im) going to see how it goes and see exactly the direction and success and workload and all the things that about 4 1/2 years ago we talked about over at the Dome." Ryans moves helped turn the Twins from one of the worst teams in baseball in the mid-90s to one of the best the next decade. They won four division titles over Ryans last five full seasons, without spending much money in free agency and instead drafting and developing their core players. Shrewd trades were part of his success, too, fetching Cristian Guzman and Eric Milton for Chuck Knoblauch; getting Nick Punto and Carlos Silva for Milton; and landing Francisco Liriano and Joe Nathan for A.J. Pierzynski. Smiths decisions havent turned out as well, dealing Johan Santana, Matt Garza, J.J. Hardy and Delmon Young for little production in return. Japanese shortstop Tsuyoshi Nishioka, the headliner acquisition last winter, was hurt for much of the season and a bust at the plate and in the field. Pohlad added that the Twins will speak with Smith about "an ongoing role within the organization." Smith has been with the club since 1986. "This is going to be good for the Minnesota Twins organization," Smith said in a phone interview. "Its always tough when it involves you, but at the same time I respect the decision that the Pohlads had to make. We have to do it with players all the time, and its no fun." The Twins were division champions under his watch in 2009 and 2010, but this season was a mess. Injuries to Canadian Justin Morneau, Jason Kubel, Joe Mauer, Nishioka and other key players didnt help, but the most expensive team in Twins history -- with an opening-day payroll of more than US$112 million -- prompted Pohlad and the rest of the front office to take a hard look at an organization that has frequently been lauded as one of the finest in the game. The top of the farm system has dried up in recent years, and the rebuilding project will be a challenge for Ryan and the rest of his support staff. Smith acknowledged when he was hired his strengths lied in administration and operations. He didnt play the game or scout it like Ryan did. He worked heavily with the teams development academies in Venezuela and the Dominican Republic, and he played a large role in the plans to design Target Field, which opened in 2010. "I love the Twins organization. Ive been very fortunate that for 26 years, every morning I get up I cant wait to get to work," Smith said. "There arent very many people who can say that." The 58-year-old Ryan said he planned to bring former Twins executive and Reds GM Wayne Krivsky on as a special assistant and said the teams payroll likely would be trimmed to around $100 million next season. One of his priorities will be to address the medical side of the team. Several injured Twins spent an inordinate amount of time on the disabled list, and Ryan said the team has to figure out why they didnt get back sooner. "We need to do some tweaking at the very least there. ... I know Bill was in the process of doing that up until last week," Ryan said. "He was worried about it and Im worried about it. ... The players can only take advice. Players take the advice you give them. ... I would never put it on the players. Its our responsibility to take control of that and we will." Patrick Sharp Blackhawks Jersey . He remained on his back, motionless, as his teammates rushed over to check on him and offer a hand. Chris Chelios Red Wings Jersey . -- Oakland coach Hue Jackson got at least one bit of good news in the wake of the Raiders loss to the cross-bay rival San Francisco 49ers. http://www.thenh... . Numbers Game looks at the Tomas Kaberle signing and Joe Corvo trade. The Hurricanes Get: D Tomas Kaberle and a fourth-round pick. Kaberle, 33, is getting a chance to re-unite with former Toronto Maple Leafs head coach Paul Maurice in Carolina and perhaps rebuild a reputation that took a beating after he arrived in Boston. [url=http://www.thenhlclub.com/Montreal-Canadiens-Jarred-Tinordi-Jersey/]Jarred Tinordi Canadiens Jersey . Fans at Rogers Arena finally got to see Eddie Lack for themselves. The 25-year-old Swedish rookie didnt disappoint in his first-ever home appearance Monday, backstopping Vancouver with 31 saves for his first NHL shutout as the Canucks downed the Carolina Hurricanes 2-0. Sam Gagner Coyotes Jersey . Toronto tries to get its schedule against the National League off to a good start as they battle New York for the first time since 2006.CALGARY -- The Calgary Stampeders refuse to let a few injuries to key players dampen their enthusiasm heading into the CFL playoffs. Calgary finished atop the CFL standings with a 14-4 record and earned the right to host the West Division final at McMahon Stadium on Nov. 17 against either the Saskatchewan Roughriders or the B.C. Lions. In their final game of the regular season in Vancouver last Friday, the Stamps suffered a 26-7 setback to the Lions and also lost the services of three starters due to injury in the first half. Defensive linemen Micah Johnson and Demonte Bolden both injured knee ligaments and receiver Marquay McDaniel sustained a high ankle sprain. With all three deemed unable to play in the West Final, the Stamps will count on other players to step up in their absence. "Thats been our mindset all year," said defensive tackle Junior Turner. "Guys have gone down and out and guys have filled in." Running back Jon Cornish, who was one of 10 Calgary players named to the CFLs West Division all-star team on Wednesday, said that dealing with injuries is nothing new for the Stamps. "Were a team that played through all kinds of injuries last year and we came into this season virtually the same team," said Cornish, who missed one game in the regular season with a thigh contusion. "We understood that people get hurt playing football, so I dont ever think that we need to do any rallying. The next guy up did what they needed to do and they understood that they either did it right or theyre off the team." Calgary coach John Hufnagel said that Turner and Etienne Legare will be counted upon to anchor Calgarys defensive line up the middle, while hell also consider activating Earl Okine and/or Oren Wilson from the practice roster. "We brought Mr. Wilson in to see what he can provide for us," Hufnagel said. "Earl Okines been here for a couple, three, four weeks. With Etienne Legare and Junior Turner we have enough men to fill the holes." Standing 6-foot-6 and weighing in at 286 pounds, Okine appears to have the physical stature to make an impact on defence for the Stamps. "The CFL is a tough game and absolutely its a very fast-paced athletic game and it takes a lot of adjustment, but Ive been here," said Okine, while adding that hes been waiting patiently for his opportunity. "Ive been working very hard in practice, getting in with my defensive line, working very hard every day after prractice and before practice.dddddddddddd" The Stamps received some good news on Wednesday as Joe West returned to the practice field after missing the past three games with a shoulder injury, while fellow receiver Brad Sinopoli is close to making his return from a concussion he sustained on Oct. 18 in Edmonton during Calgarys 27-13 win over the Eskimos. "Brad Sinopoli was back on the practice field doing a bit of individual work," Hufnagel said. "Hell do a little bit of contact work (Thursday), but everything looks like hell be able to make the game, so well adjust accordingly with the players that we have." While the Stamps have suffered their fair share of injuries, quarterback Kevin Glenn said that theyve had enough depth to plug those holes with capable replacements. "It just seems like when a guy does go down, its another guy thats coming back off of injury just to fill that spot," Glenn said. "You dont ever want to see that kind of stuff happen, but it just seems like for us its been happening at the right time that weve been losing a guy, but getting a guy back too." In the case of receiver Jeff Fuller, the Stamps benefited from a player who took advantage of making the most of his opportunity when it was given to him. Fuller signed with the Stamps on Sept. 14 and then spent four weeks on the practice roster before making four catches for 75 yards in his CFL debut on Oct. 18 against the Eskimos. "A guy coming in so late like that and actually playing very well at the end of the year has been another help," Glenn said. Fuller followed up his impressive debut by making six catches for a team-leading 113 yards during a 29-25 win at home over the Riders on Oct. 26 before hauling in five passes for 66 yards in the season finale against the Lions. "Im definitely extremely excited about this next game coming up," Fuller said. "Its opportunities for other players to come in and make plays and make a run at this Grey Cup. Im here now and Im loving every minute of it and feel myself getting better. Its just a blessing to be a part of such a great program." Thanks to their performance in the regular season, the Stamps have the benefit of an extra week to prepare to host the West Final. "Its unique, its beneficial and its welcoming," Hufnagel said. "Thats why you work so hard during the regular season to try to finish first so you do have a bye week." cheap jerseys wholesale jerseys cheap jerseys cheap nfl jerseys cheap jerseys ' ' '