Minnesota GM Terry Ryan losing sleep over Twins’ woes
By: Charley Walters, Pioneer Press
General manager Terry Ryan, whose Minnesota Twins have won just 11 of their first 41 games, was asked last week if he’s sleeping well these days.
“No, I’m not sleeping all right because we’re 13 1/2 games back,” Ryan said. “I’m not sleeping too well, and nor should I.”
Interrupting Ryan’s sleep has been unanswered questions about his reeling club.
“You think about how you’re going to right the ship, you’re thinking about how’d we get in this predicament,” he said. “There’s no doubt, when you’re going through a stretch like we have, it’s not easy to lead a normal life. You can’t.”
Rick Aberman, who has a Ph.D. in psychology, is the Twins’ Director of Peak Performance. Among his expertise is getting players mentally prepared.
How’s it going?
“It’s not so much about getting guys ready; it’s about helping people deal with adversity, helping them learn more about themselves, how do they handle their thoughts and emotions,” Aberman said last week. “It’s not like they don’t know how to play the game — these are professional ballplayers. But it’s helping people perform up to their potential. That’s what we’re trying to do.”