Molitor returns to Twins in familiar minor league job but as a hall of famer

BY JASON WILLIAMS
Pioneer Press

Paul Molitor is coming home — again.

The Twins announced Monday that they have hired the St. Paul native and hall of famer as their minor league base-running and infield coordinator, a position Molitor held with the organization in 2003.

"He's a tremendous teacher, and he knows our philosophy and our system," Twins general manager Terry Ryan said. "I've heard experienced teachers say things like, 'I've never heard it put like that before,' after they've heard him speak. That's a pretty good barometer on what he provides. Our minor leaguers and major leaguers listen to him."

Attempts to reach Molitor were unsuccessful.

Molitor, 48, was the Seattle Mariners' hitting coach last season. After spending the 2000 and 2001 seasons as the Twins' bench coach under manager Tom Kelly, Molitor interviewed to replace Kelly in 2002. The Twins hired Ron Gardenhire. It is believed Molitor remains interested in becoming a big-league manager.

"I think down the line that would be his objective," Ryan said. "I don't think his thoughts have changed on that. I can see that in his future."

Molitor told the Pioneer Press last year: "Sometimes I think about trying to go to the next level. And sometimes I wonder if I really want to face all the things that come with being a manager. I'm not dead set on if that's the next step for me yet. The coaching is rewarding in that you get to do one thing in a certain area."

Coaching seems to fit Molitor's approach to baseball. In 21 big-league seasons with the Milwaukee Brewers, Toronto Blue Jays and Twins, Molitor was known as a cerebral player. His ability to study the game helped the former Cretin High School star become one of the best hitters and base runners of all time.

Molitor has enjoyed sharing what he learned as a player. In spring training 2003, he shared with the Twins players several pages of base-running notes he had jotted down during his career.

* Ryan also expanded on the acquisition of free agent Eric Munson, the former Detroit infielder who has agreed to a minor league contract. The Twins are looking for Munson, 27, to add depth off the bench. He can play third base, first base and catcher.

The left-handed hitting Munson, Ryan said, could be used in a pinch-hitting role, much like veteran Jose Offerman was last season. Munson, the Tigers' Opening Day third baseman the past two seasons, also could provide competition for new starting third baseman Michael Cuddyer in spring training, Ryan said.

A first-round draft pick of the Tigers in 1999, Munson has struggled defensively and has a career .215 batting average. But he has 37 home runs over the past two years.

"He's got pop," Ryan said. "We've gotten right-handed (in the lineup) after losing a few guys, particularly (free agents Cristian) Guzman and (Corey) Koskie."