MINNEAPOLIS -- The Twins officially hired an advisory firm, Korn Ferry, on Tuesday to assist with the search for the club's new general manager, but interim GM Rob Antony said he hasn't thought much about his future and chances of being retained as full-time GM.
Antony, who replaced long-time GM Terry Ryan in an interim role on July 18, said he's more focused on finding ways to improve the organization going forward with the non-waiver Trade Deadline fast approaching on Monday. He said the hiring decision is ultimately up to owner Jim Pohlad and president Dave St. Peter, and it doesn't do him any good wondering whether he'll get the job or if he'll be retained if another GM is hired.
"I'm in this position now, and I just want to try to do a good job with it," Antony said. "I know there's going to be a process, talking to internal, external [candidates] and all that stuff. But none of that concerns me. That's for [Pohlad] and Dave and those people to determine who they want in that chair. I just want to do the best job I can, and hopefully they say I did a good job and I take over the position. But to be honest, I'm just going to do the job and accept the results."
Antony, who participated in a Q&A with MLB.com while in Boston over the weekend, said trade talks are starting to heat up, but he reiterated that he expects more action once some of the bigger dominos start to fall, pointing to the example of Aroldis Chapman being traded to the Cubs on Monday.
"I've had a lot of talks," Antony said. "Leading into this, you never know what's going to happen, but I'm encouraged by where we're at. We've gotten deeper into discussion and talked about some names and different players and how they would fit in what we're trying to accomplish."
Antony has also been in constant contact with manager Paul Molitor to get his input and to make sure he's aware of which pieces the Twins are thinking of trading. Veterans who could be moved include catcher Kurt Suzuki, shortstop Eduardo Núñez, right-hander Ricky Nolasco and relievers Fernando Abad and Brandon Kintzler.
Antony reiterated he's not actively looking to trade right-hander Ervin Santana, because he views him as part of the future of the organization. But he did say he's talked to teams that are also sellers and hasn't ruled out trading younger players if the deal makes sense. He's also open to eating money in a deal to get a better prospect in return, as Pohlad has told him payroll is not an issue.
"I keep [Molitor] abreast on what I've been talking about," Antony said. "Guys who could be on the move. Who we could be getting back. He's well aware of it. He gives his opinion. He's been great. He just says to do what's right. But more than anything, he wants to know what we're planning to do so he can plan mentally what he's going to do with the roster."
St. Peter said Antony remains a candidate and will be interviewed for the full-time position, but he does believe hiring Korn Ferry, which recently helped the Brewers and Blue Jays hire their new GMs, will help streamline the process with outside candidates. St. Peter remains hopeful they'll make their decision by end of the season, but it could change if a top candidate can't interview until after the postseason.
"I think one of the benefits of Korn Ferry for us is we're hoping it makes us more efficient," St. Peter said. "There's also other due dilligence such as psychological testing or background checks. So they bring one-stop shopping, which is helpful."