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Minnesota Twins search for next manager becoming clearer

By Nate Palmer

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - AUGUST 24: Paul Molitor #4 of the Minnesota Twins watches the play against the Oakland Athletics in the fifth inning at Target Field on August 24, 2018 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Adam Bettcher/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - AUGUST 24: Paul Molitor #4 of the Minnesota Twins watches the play against the Oakland Athletics in the fifth inning at Target Field on August 24, 2018 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Adam Bettcher/Getty Images) /
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Derek Shelton, Minnesota Twins Bench Coach

The Twins have a couple of guys within the organization they could consider for the managing vacancy such as third base coach and Minnesota native Gene Glynn as well as major league coach Jeff Pickler. While both of those men would bring their own strengths to the position, Twins bench coach Derek Shelton looks to be the leading in-house candidate for the position.

Shelton’s only major league managing experience came earlier this season when he filled in for Molitor when he was away in Cooperstown for Hall of Fame induction weekend. Even though he doesn’t have any managing experience outside of a stint in the Yankees minor league system he does seem to fit as a strong candidate to fill the position as the Twins look to fill it.

With the Twins looking for a manager that can better relate with the players in the clubhouse and are willing to lean on analytics as they make their baseball decisions. Shelton could be that guy. After reading the interview that Shelton did with David Laurila over at FanGraphs, it sounds like he fits the type of manager the Twins front office is seeking.

Regarding analytics he mentions his time with the Indians and Rays, two franchises that are known for using analytics and being some of the most innovative organizations in the way they build baseball teams. In regards to the manager-player relationship, this is what Shelton said:

"“First and foremost, the game is about the players. It’s about communication and how you interact with them. With the way the game has changed, particularly in terms of all the information that’s available, you have to make sure you’re communicating what you’re going to do, and how you’re going to do it.”"

Many may not like that the Twins who just struggled to maintain success from 2017 to 2018 would hire from within, but Shelton looks like he would be a different manager than Molitor. He also looks like he would be ready to put his own stamp on this team.

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