MINNEAPOLIS (AP) - The Minnesota Twins have fired general manager Bill Smith and returned Terry Ryan to the role on an interim basis.

The change was announced Monday.

Smith was one of Ryan's assistants who took the job four years ago when Ryan stepped down to become a special assistant, citing burnout.

Ryan served as general manager from 1994-07. His 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 Ryan's last five full seasons.

Smith's decisions haven't turned out as well, trading Johan Santana, Matt Garza, J.J. Hardy and Delmon Young for little production in return. The Twins lost 99 games this year.

(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

 

More From AM 1240 WJON