The Twins just can't complete their managerial search without considering candidates who pop up unexpectedly.
Rick Renteria, who was fired by the Cubs on Friday, could land on the Twins' radar, according to a source with knowledge of the Twins' search. The club, as of Friday evening, was considering contacting Renteria, who went 73-89 in his one season managing the Cubs.
The reason Renteria is available, of course, is because the Cubs sacked him in order to hire Joe Maddon, which is expected to become official on Monday. Maddon took advantage of an opt-out clause in his contract to become a free agent on Oct. 24. The Twins spoke with Maddon about their opening during the week he was a free agent.
Renteria, 52, ended his playing career in 1994 but stayed in baseball, coaching in the Marlins and Padres organizations before joining the Padres major league staff in 2008. He became their bench coach in 2011, managed Mexico in the 2013 World Baseball Classic then was hired as Cubs manager. He's considered a solid baseball man who did acceptable work while leading a rebuilding Cubs team.
The club would like to name a manager early next week, but that could be delayed if they decide to interview Renteria.
Buxton has surgery
Byron Buxton's broken finger required surgery to repair, but the procedure to insert a pin to reinforce the bone went without a problem and the Twins' top prospect is expected to be ready for spring training next February.
Buxton fractured the middle finger on his left hand on Monday while diving for a ball during an Arizona Fall League game. The injury was originally diagnosed as a dislocation, but a hand specialist discovered the fracture.
Buxton and the Twins had hoped the fracture would heal without operating, but after additional consultation, Twins' minor league director Brad Steil confirmed Friday, the decision was made to place the pin inside the finger, a procedure that took place Thursday morning in Arizona.
The damage wasn't as bad as doctors feared, which could speed up his return. Buxton has been told to rest his left hand while it heals, which will limit his ability to swing a bat this winter. But doctors expect him to be able to resume training for the 2015 season by January, well before Twins' camp opens in February.
