Levine formally named general manager

MINNEAPOLIS -- The Twins had to wait for an unforgettable World Series to end in seven games before making it official on Thursday. Thad Levine has joined the organization as general manager to serve under chief baseball officer Derek Falvey.
Levine, who had been a Rangers' assistant general manager since 2005, was introduced to the media with Falvey in a news conference at Target Field on Monday. Falvey, in his role as Indians' assistant GM, stayed with his former club until the conclusion of the Fall Classic, which was won by the Cubs over the Indians in epic fashion in seven games on Wednesday.
"I'm thrilled to add Thad Levine to the Twins' baseball operations leadership team," Falvey said in announcing the hiring. "I couldn't envision a better partner to help return championship-caliber baseball to Minnesota. Thad's leadership and management experiences across all facets of baseball operations make him the perfect fit for the role, and I'm looking forward to executing our vision together."
Levine, 44, had been an assistant GM for the Rangers since 2005, helping Texas reach the World Series in 2010 and '11. In his role with the Rangers, he helped GM Jon Daniels with player acquisitions, contract negotiations, roster management, statistical analysis and was also in charge of their international scouting department.
"As I embark on what I hope to be the most impactful phase of my career, I would like to thank the Pohlad family, Derek Falvey, Dave St. Peter and the Minnesota Twins fans for giving me the opportunity to join the Minnesota Twins family," Levine said. "I am inspired to work for the Twins franchise, known as being one of the best organizations in all of professional sports due to the stalwart leadership of the Pohlad family, commitment of its loyal workforce, talent of its players and unflagging loyalty of its fans."
Levine previously worked with the Rockies for six seasons, including serving as senior director of baseball operations. He also worked for the Dodgers for one year after graduating from UCLA with an MBA in 1999.
"Everyone who has worked with him for the last 11 years is better for it," Daniels said at a news conference with Rangers reporters Thursday. "He's an enormous part of what we as a team built here over the years with the success we've had on and off the field. He's a uniquely gifted baseball executive and an even better person. He's obviously one of my closest friends, so it's a big personal piece there. So I'm thrilled for him."
Levine brings a scouting and development background, but is also well versed in advanced statistics, much like Falvey. The Alexandria, Va., native played college baseball, as did Falvey, playing at Haverford (Pa.) College.
With Falvey and Levine not joining the organization until Thursday, Rob Antony continued to serve in his role as interim GM after the season concluded. It was a quiet October for the Twins, who outrighted five players, including lefty Tommy Milone, but otherwise didn't make any other roster moves.
The new front office still has to determine the fate of the coaching staff, although manager Paul Molitor has been publicly assured by ownership that he'll return in 2017.