ISSUES AT HAND: PAYROLL, RYAN'S STATUS, THE DRAFT AND FRONT OFFICE MOVES

A front-office shakeup wasn't the only news coming Monday when the Twins announced that Terry Ryan would return to his former job as general manager, replacing Bill Smith. Other news:

Payroll: Ryan said the team's payroll, about $116 million at the end of last season, would be about $100 million this season. Owner Jim Pohlad later echoed that sentiment.

Interim: Although Ryan is technically the Twins interim general manager, he sounded like a man who could be in for as long as it takes to turn the club around. When Ryan decides it's time to go, he will be given the right to handpick his successor.

The draft: Because of their 99-loss season, the Twins will have the second pick in the June amateur draft. It's a pick that should have a significant impact and can't afford to be squandered.

Hiring/moves: Former Twins assistant GM/Reds GM Wayne Krivsky will be hired as Ryan's special assistant, and he will evaluate major league talent. Mike Radcliff, the Twins vice president of player personnel, will also evaluate major league talent, but in April he will become the point man in amateur scouting.