The Tigers announced that they have agreed to extend manager Jim Leyland through the 2013 season. Leyland's contract expired once the Tigers lost the World Series this past weekend. After seven seasons in Detroit, Leyland remains the right person for the job, according to GM Dave Dombrowski.
“Jim is as fine a manager as there is in baseball, he has done a fantastic job for the organization and we are thrilled to have him back managing the Tigers in 2013,” Dombrowski said in a statement issued by the team. “I have a tremendous amount of respect for Jim and his ability to lead our club on the field.”
Though the Tigers were swept in the World Series, they won their division and the American League pennant. In seven years since Leyland became the Tigers' manager, the team has a 607-528 record. Leyland, who turns 68 in December, has also managed the Pirates, Marlins and Rockies. He has said Detroit will be the final stop of his MLB managerial career. All of Leyland's coaches have also been invited back for 2013.
Three managerial openings still exist around MLB. The Marlins, Rockies and Blue Jays continue searching for new managers.
Tom Gage of the Detroit News reported this morning that the decision had "been made" and Danny Knobler of CBSSports.com reported the sides had agreed to a deal.
