Recently dismissed Mariners manager Lloyd McClendon has been named manager of the Tigers’ Triple-A affiliate, the Toledo Mud Hens, the team announced today (Twitter link). McClendon was fired from his post as Seattle’s skipper back in early October (as is often the case when a team brings a new general manager on board).
The 58-year-old McClendon will bring a wealth of coaching and managerial experience with him back to the Tigers organization. McClendon was Detroit’s Major League bullpen coach in 2006 and then spent seven seasons from 2007-13 working as the club’s Major League hitting coach before being hired in Seattle. He also spent four seasons as the hitting coach and five as the manager in Pittsburgh from 1997-2005.
McClendon is well-respected by peers and was seemingly well-liked in Seattle, as he was reportedly part of Robinson Cano‘s pitch to Nelson Cruz when trying to sway his friend to sign in Seattle last offseason. It wouldn’t be a surprise to see McClendon’s name tied to managerial openings after the 2016 season as they open, and there’s always the possibility that he could rejoin the Tigers’ big league staff in some capacity after next season.
Good for Lloyd, I was hoping he’d stick with Seattle, but I’m glad he didn’t smack talk the team after his dismissal. Hope he does great
I like Lloyd. Hope he’s back managing in the majors soon.
Happy for this. Hope he gets another crack at coaching for an MLB team soon.
He is really good in post game interviews
Lloyd is a class act. I liked him with the Ms glad he caught on quick
Insurance in case Ausmus is fired?
Future manager of the Tigers
Fantastic! Lloyd is a great baseball man, I was really bummed Seattle didn’t keep him as their manager. He’s well respected, and deservedly so! Good luck to him and to the Tigers for bringing him back into the fold.
A wonderful way to keep Brad on his toes and looking over his shoulder.
Good move by the Tigers. If Ausmus can’t get the job done this year, Lloyd will have a year of experience working with the next group players waiting in the wings at AAA. He could have a jump start for the big league club in 2017.
Glad to hear this. I didn’t think he was that bad with what he had to work with in Seattle, and he always seemed like a good guy.
Plus he could step in at the major league level if needed.
I would prefer Lloyd than Servais as Mariners’ manager..
you have my vote!