In my opinion, it could be trouble in Twins' territory.

According to the Star Tribune, the Twins are expected to announce the departure of general manager Terry Ryan today at 2 p.m.

Ryan has been the Twins general manager for the past 12 years. He is best known for using a low payroll and building up the minor league system to assemble contending teams.

Ryan briefly pitched for the Twins in the mid 70s. After trouble with injuries, he was released by the Twins' AA team in June 1976.

Ryan graduated from the University of Wisconsin. He was hired as a scout by the New York Mets in 1980. He was a scout for the Mets for six years before the Twins hired him as scouting director, a position he held for six years before he was promoted to vice president and player personnel director under former general manager, Andy MacPhail.

Ryan was made the Twins general manager in 1994, after MacPhail left.

In Ryan's early years as a general manager he struggled to fill MacPhail's shoes.

In 1995, he got rid if high-priced vets Rick Aguilera, Scott Erickson, Mark Guthrie and Kevin Tapani as the Twins weren't contendiing.

Although Ryan struggled in his early years as a general manager he picked up the pace in 1996 when he traded Dave Hollins to Seattle for a player to be named later. That player turned out to be none other than Big Poppy.

Ryan then traded Roberto Kelly for Joe Mays.

In 1998, Ryan sent "can't throw the ball to first base" Chuck Knoblauch to the Yankees for four players, two of which were Cristian Guzman and Eric Milton.

In 1999, Ryan traded for CY Young winner Johan Santana, who he picked up in the rule five draft.

In 2002, Ryan traded Brian Buchanan to the Padres for Jason Bartlett. The Twins made the playoffs for the first time since the 1991 World Series win that year.

Later in 2002, Ryan was named Executive of the Year by The Sporting News.

In 2003, Ryan dealt Bobby Keilty for Shannon Stewart.

Ryan's greatest trade came in 2003, when he traded A.J. Pierzynski to the Giants fot Joe Nathan, Francisco Liriano and Boof Bonser.

Ryan then traded Eric Milton to the Phillies for Carlos Silva and Nick Punto.

Ryan has also made several other great front-office moves for the Twins in his 12 years as general manager.

The Twins have won their division four of the last six seasons.

Thank you, Terry Ryan. You will be missed.

What was your favorite trade that Ryan made?

Johan in Rule 5?

A.J for Boof, Francisco and Nathan?

According to the Star Tribune, the Twins are expected to name Ryan's long-time assistant Bill Smith as the new general manager.