MINNEAPOLIS -- The Minnesota Twins have fired three coaches and their head athletic trainer in the wake of a second straight last-place finish in the AL Central.
The Twins announced the moves on Thursday.
Longtime bullpen coach Rick Stelmaszek, third base coach Steve Liddle, first base coach Jerry White and head athletic trainer Rick McWane did not have their contracts renewed for 2013. The team also says bench coach Scott Ullger and hitting coach Joe Vavra have been reassigned. Ullger will work with the outfielders and Vavra the infielders.
Earlier this week, coach Ron Gardenhire said he would prefer to have his staff back next season. Four of the five coaches have been with Gardenhire since 2002. Vavra joined the team in 2006.
Stelmaszek has been with the organization since 1978.
