The fallout from a 99-loss season for the Minnesota Twins has started with the firing of general manager Bill Smith. Smith was dismissed Monday, when the Twins returned Terry Ryan to the role on an interim basis. Smith was Ryan's top assistant when Ryan stepped down in 2007, citing burnout, after holding the job for 13 years. 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 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 fulltime successor, leaving for a prime job with the Chicago Cubs, and Ryan followed him. Read more: http://espn.go.com/mlb/story/_/id/7...-manager-bill-smith-return-terry-ryan-interim
