New York --

I haven't written about Paul Molitor's job status in a while, because my colleagues checked that box. But after listening to Molitor in a news conference at Yankee Stadium, it's hard for me to imagine anyone else managing this group of players next spring, and yet he has still not been rewarded with a new contract or even an assurance that he will return.

And I think that's wrong.

Molitor is a very good manager. This year his own front office gave up on the team at the trading deadline, and Molitor steered the team to the playoffs. Molitor should be a manager of the year candidate, if not the winner of the award.

He also handles the lesser parts of the job well. He's an insightful and honest spokesperson for the team. He has strong relationships with the Twins' most valuable players. He is respected even by players who might wish he used them more often.

To me, Molitor is an ideal manager. Why Falvine -- president of baseball operations Derek Falvey and general manager Thad Levine -- would make Molitor twist in the wind is beyond me, unless they plan to replace him at the end of the season or remain undecided.

I've had a number of conversations with current and former members of the Twins' organization. I've heard some good things about Falvine - that they don't drive employees to work crazy hours the way Terry Ryan did, that they're smart and, yes, analytical.

I've also heard that they can be remarkably impersonal.

Molitor should remain as the Twins' manager. He has a strong relationship with the Pohlads, which, you think, would help. But I have to admit I don't know how to read the new bosses. And I don't think Molitor knows how to read them, either.

On to Miguel Sano.

Before I got to Yankee Stadium on Monday, I thought the Twins should try to use him as a DH on Tuesday. But then he didn't participate in the workout, instead hitting inside, so it's obvious he won't be in the lineup.

He should be able to pinch-hit. Robbie Grossman may get a chance as the DH, but he's hitting .230 with no power since June 15. I'd rather see Kennys Vargas as the DH. He has a hole in his swing but could mis-hit a ball and see it go over the short rightfield fence at Yankee Stadium.

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Won't say I've heard this from strong sources, but will say a few Twins people think Ron Gardenhire could wind up as a strong candidate to manage the Mets if he's physically and mentally willing to take on the challenge.

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