Matt Zimmer

mzimmer@argusleader.com

The Twins must replace manager Ron Gardenhire before next season, and the pressing reason is accountability.

This is a franchise largely unacquainted with that, but it's time to start. Well, actually, the time was after last season, when Gardy was at the end of his contract. It seemed like a good time to part ways as amicably as possible, but this is a franchise that seems to value comfort and familiarity over accountability.

POLL: Should the Minnesota Twins fire manager Ron Gardenhire?

So, in the interest of making sure Gardy's feelings were spared, the Twins gave the man who had just presided over three straight seasons of 96 or more losses a two-year extension.

General manager Terry Ryan attempted to take the blame off of the skipper the day the new deal was announced, claiming that Gardy hadn't had the talent to be given a chance to win.

Fast forward to two weeks ago, when Gardenhire had cameras in his face at the All-Star Game festivities. It was mentioned to him that there were former Twins populating All-Star rosters this year and others, to which Gardy replied that this was proof the Twins were doing things right, that they were developing All-Star players.

Well, which is it, guys?

To be clear, Gardy has proved himself a skilled manager in the sense of being able to keep a sturdy ship pointed in the right direction. He is, by all accounts, a well-liked, good man, a true Twins ambassador who presided over the most prolonged era of success in team history.

But hasn't he also proved, over the past four years, that he isn't the guy who's going to lead the Twins out of their present doldrums? This isn't a sturdy ship anymore.

Yes, there's been a dearth of talent at times, and injuries have stung Gardy as harshly as any manager, from the disastrous 2011 campaign to this year's deflating injuries to prospects Miguel Sano and Byron Buxton (while we're holding people accountable, a new training staff might also be a good idea).

But what of the fact that former first-round picks Aaron Hicks, Trevor Plouffe and Chris Parmelee are perpetually stuck in neutral? Would anyone be remotely surprised if any of those three went elsewhere and thrived, as so many others have done? What of Oswaldo Arcia's alarming regression as a second-year player? The pitching staff's inability to miss bats in an era where strikeouts are higher than ever? Does the staff bear no responsibility?

What about the failed reunions with Jason Bartlett, Jason Kubel and Matt Guerrier? Those were Gardy's calls.

The Twins entered the All-Star break clinging to the idea of wild-card contention, knowing that the 10-game home stand to begin the second half was pivotal. This would be their chance to claim relevance, to convince the front office not to trade away veterans.

They fell on their face, going 3-7 against a trio of middling teams. It would be hard to envision a scenario that more clearly cried out for change.

Ryan, the GM, isn't free from blame himself, but he has quietly rebuilt a barren farm system into one of baseball's best while trying to clean up Bill Smith's mess. And Gardy – who was clearly a driving force behind the horrible JJ Hardy and Matt Capps trades – played a role in making that mess.

But whether it's GM, manager or both, it's time for owner Jim Pohlad to take it upon himself to bring in an authoritative voice, if not from outside the organization (which would be preferable) then at least from outside the Gardy's Country Club Crew.

There is a strong nucleus of young talent waiting in the wings that could soon vault the Twins into contention. There needs to be fresh air and a different culture at Target Field when they arrive.

The Twins had a chance to get started on that transition last year, but wavered. This time, as hard as it would be to say goodbye to the most memorable skipper in Twins history, the change must be made.

By the Numbers

1,045-1,004

Career record

242

Team wins

since 2010

348

Team losses

since 2010

.410

Win percentage

since 2010