The Tigers announced their re-shaped 2020 coaching staff under returning manager Ron Gardenhire. It’ll feature Lloyd McClendon as bench coach, with the former skipper taking over for Steve Liddle.
Liddle, who’s the only member of the ’19 staff to depart, is retiring, as Anthony Fenech of the Detroit Free Press reported. Fortunately, there was a well-experienced replacement on hand in the form of McClendon, who had functioned as the hitting coach.
Also moving into a new role is Joe Vavra, who’ll step in to coach the bats. He’s also exceedingly experienced in his new role, having occupied the same spot for a lengthy stretch alongside Gardenhire with the Twins. Otherwise, Ramon Santiago and Dave Clark will flip-flop base coaching duties, with the former going to third and the latter moving over to first.
With that business taken care of, the Tigers do have one coaching opening to account for. Vavra had worked as quality control coach and it appears the team will seek someone to take on the same job title.
Tigers doing what the Astros did for a few seasons. ?
Rearrange the deck chairs. That should save the Titanic.
Lloyd is well-qualified to make sure that everyone sits in their assigned seat on the bench and that the scrubs scooch over when the starters come in after they finally get that elusive third out of the inning.
You win the comment of the day!
DH SJSU
Well said
As long as Lloyd is off the bats, I’m happy.
Legendary Lloyd.
Legendary Lunk
Not sure you’ll like Vavra.
thought it was “vulva” lol
It doesn’t really matter. The whole crew will likely be gone after Gardy’s contract expires in a year. Then they’ll hire a new crew to develop the youngsters.
What youngsters?
oh we don’t know?!!..maybe the younger group of pitchers that’s gonna start filtering up to the big club very soon.and (I hope) a few hitters
Steve Liddle was Ron Gardenhire’s bench coach when the Twins were very good. MIN moved him to the 3B coaching box; MIN then lost 99 then 96 games and Liddle was fired.
Now we know who was to blame.
DET must be satisfied with the way things are working out. Doesn’t it feel like Lloyd McClendon will be the next Tiger Manager?
People thought Lloyd was replacing Leyland, then they thought he was replacing Ausmus….nope doesn’t feel like he’s replacing Gardy. Liddle retired and a spot was open.
No, they’ll get someone else. They’re still in rebuilding mode. They’ll get someone new when they’re ready to contend.
Pirates can bring back Lloyd lmao
Would be the final nail in Neil Huntington’s coffin
.
“Scooch over, Lloyd. Joe Vavra is taking your spot.
No, Lloyd! Scooch the other way! You’ve been promoted to Steve Liddle’s scooch!”
– The Detroit Tigers
47-114
.
I’d like to see Gardy managing the Cubs.
Theo a hard guy to work for. Word is out on him. Gardy not stupid he won’t be his fall guy.
I don’t see a better coaching option available when Gardys contract is up.in fact I believe he’ll get a extension.im fine with it.as long as we don’t try to bring in some no name young coach with 0 coaching experience ala the Asmus mess! that guy was so afraid of making a wrong call that he made none! at least now they steal once in a while and actually try to bunt.
It really does not matter because they are are sweeping everyone out after next season. Mike Rabelo will be the new manager in 2021!
Unload Avila. And for that matter sell the team. Mike Ilitch would have re-signed Verlander, JD, Nick et al, but Christopher seems to have no interest in spending $. And Avila? Almost no return on those vets or others.