The latest from the Motor City…
- The Tigers are planning “an extensive search” for their next manager, GM Al Avila told MLB.com’s Jason Beck and other reporters. Avila didn’t specify whether he was looking for a veteran skipper or a younger alternative to lead the Tigers through the “trying, grinding process” of a rebuild, though Avila did say that the new manager had to have some type of dugout experience, whether as a manager in the majors or minors, or as a Major League coach. Previous manager Brad Ausmus, of course, lacked this experience, coming into the job after his playing career and a stint in the Padres’ baseball operations department.
- From that same piece, Beck lists nine names he feels could be potential candidates to be Detroit’s next manager. Beck’s options range from internal choices (hitting coach Lloyd McClendon and first base coach Omar Vizquel) to several other names with ties to Avila and/or the Tigers, including Fredi Gonzalez, Phil Nevin and Mike Redmond.
- Ausmus’ lack of experience proved to be his undoing, Anthony Fenech of the Detroit Free Press opines, especially after the Tigers lost a key on-field leader in Torii Hunter after the 2014 season. Ausmus was popular with his players but generally seemed like more of a teammate than a manager, creating a “country club” atmosphere within the clubhouse. There were rumors that the Tigers were parting ways with Ausmus after both the 2015 and 2016 seasons, and Fenech believes that Avila should’ve made a managerial change then instead of giving Ausmus more chances. Fenech also notes, in partial defense of Ausmus, that he faced a particularly large challenge for a first-time manager in taking over a team expected to be World Series contenders.
- The trade that sent Justin Verlander to the Astros was finalized literally just two seconds before the August 31 deadline, Sports Illustrated’s Ben Reiter reports in a behind-the-scenes look at how the blockbuster deal came together. Unable to return to his Houston home due to Hurricane Harvey, Astros GM Jeff Luhnow ended up making the final negotiations on August 31 while trying to find a cellphone signal at his in-laws’ dining table (during a dinner party, to boot).
The Verlander trade was a steal. Other FO offices have to be asking why they didn’t make a move.
I can’t wait to see what he does for the Astros over the next 3 races.
As a Tiger fan, Im glad he went to your Astros. Guy is lights out down this stretch of the season and into the playoffs. I still watch him pitch for you guys lol
Astros gave up a decent prospect haul. You didnt get him for nothing. Deal looks like a win win right now.
The Astros weezeled there way to get a top of rotation arm while getting the Tigers to pay cash and keeping their best prospects. Tucker/Martes/Whitley/Fischer/Musgrove/Buskaskus all stay put. They held out til the last second and got the arm they have needed at the price they were willing to pay. But the Tigers had no leverage because of all the cash owed to JV so they did what they could. Real benefit to them is they will likely get the number 1 pick after that deal and save some money.
Its not weezeling you way to a deal. Tigers had months to field all offers. The market was what it was. Tigers got their new #1 prospect and 2 in the top 6. Thats a decent return for verlander. They arent paying that much back to HOU.
I’m neither a Tigers nor Astros fan, but that Verlander read was fascinating. Thanks for sharing!
Verlander has lived up to what every tiger fan said he was capable of. Where are the naysayers now?
Best part of JV is watching him get better and faster as the game goes on. He is notorious for starting games slowly.
And look up his love for Taco Bell the night before a start. Pretty funny.
Thank you
“Make the Tigers Great Again” hire Lance “The Big Wheel” Parrish as the Tigers’ next Manager.
He’s part of the winning history of our cherished Tigers Organization. He’s a former catcher, All Star, Gold Glove winner, Silver Slugger winner and probably has more history with the Tigers organization than anyone currently in the organization.
And if that’s not enough, he’s been managing the Tigers AA Erie team for the last 4 seasons. He’s already been building a rapport with the up and comers of the last few draft classes and resonates well with all true Tigers Fans.
Not only is it a simple and easy choice but it’s a step in the right direction of where the Tigers need to take this organization going forward and into the future.
Is Al Avila the right guy to lead the Tiger’s rebuild? Or, would the Tiger be better off clean house completely and get a new GM as well.
They also need to get rid of Avila. He doesn’t have a clue.