Frank Viola is expected to remain pitching coach for Triple-A Las Vegas.NEW YORK -- Frank Viola interviewed by phone for the vacant Minnesota Twins pitching coach position, but will not be hired, he told the St. Paul Pioneer Press.

Viola, who starred for the Twins before a 1989 trade to the Mets, expects to return to Triple-A Las Vegas as Wally Backman's pitching coach.

“Things have gone well in that organization," Viola told the Pioneer Press about the Mets, "but I’ve always been a Twin a heart. That never leaves you.

"I thought it was a good scenario, but people make choices," he continued, referring to being passed over for the Minnesota job. "That’s their prerogative. One thing the Twins have done, from the manager to the coaches, is they’ve really done a long process. Hopefully they get it right. The Twins deserve to get a winner again.

“It’s very tough for guys to get a foot in the door. You have all these other guys recycling all over the place. But there’s always a reason for everything. Hopefully I’m meant for better things down the line with somebody else. Right now the Mets are the ones who believe in me. I’ve really enjoyed my time here.”