Let’s blindly reach into the bag to find a replacement for Paul Molitor

3. Ron Washington

Washington’s time as manager of the Texas Rangers (2007-2014) overlapped with most of Thad Levine’s time in the organization as assistant general manager (2005-2016). Washington resigned before the 2014 season ended, citing personal reasons as he later announced an extramarital affair. But he went back to the Oakland A’s as a coach in 2015, and he’s currently the third base coach for the Atlanta Braves.

At 66 years old, Washington may not fit the age profile Falvey and Levine are seeking in a new manager. But Molitor is 62 and seemed to be open to new, analytics-driven things. So if Washington is similarly open in his thinking, and can convey that in interviews, another opportunity to manage may come somewhere.

Washington may be a familiar name to older Twins’ fans, as he spent most of his playing career (1981-1986) with the team. But his success as Rangers’ manager, including two trips to the World Series (2010 and 2011), and tie to Levine, should advance him as a candidate to manage the Twins as the search launches.