Decision on Gardy expected before playoffs start

MINNEAPOLIS -- Twins manager Ron Gardenhire said he expects to talk about his future with general manager Terry Ryan after Sunday's season finale against the Indians.

Gardenhire, whose contract is set to expire at the end of the season, said a decision still hasn't been reached on whether he'll back next season. But he reiterated an announcement will be made before the postseason begins on Tuesday.

"We're still discussing it -- we're still talking like we always do," Gardenhire said. "Whatever happens, he's going to make a decision and go with it. And I'm going to have to live with it one way or another. That's where we're at."

Gardenhire, who is the second-longest tenured manager in the Majors behind the Angels' Mike Scioscia, said he hasn't thought about other managerial jobs, as his preference remains to stay with the Twins. He's been the manager of the Twins since 2002 and led them to six division titles before suffering through three straight 90-plus loss seasons, including this year.

"I like where I'm at," Gardenhire said. "I'd rather stay here. If it doesn't work out here, then you start thinking about other stuff. But I enjoy it here. It's as good as it gets for me."

Gardenhire added that he's not thinking about Sunday's game against the Indians like it's his last game as Twins manager.

"I don't worry about it," Gardenhire said. "It's not something I can control. I come in here like everybody else. It's going to an emotional day, but that's because it's the last day of the season. It's not because of my situation. It's not in the equation. I don't think of it that way."

Indians manager Terry Francona offered praise of Gardenhire and said he doesn't believe he should be on the hot seat.

"I think he's one of the better managers in the game," Francona said. "I think if you ask every manager, they'd say the same thing. And I've known him for a long time, so I hope that's not the case. I know, for a long time, I've respected the way they've run things. They've been very consistent in their approach from the Minor Leagues up."