I’m of the opinion Jim Leyland is a terrific manager, and a main reason the Tigers are in first place today - carrying a substantial 4 1-2 game lead in the American League Central - when they were picked to finish fifth and last by most preseason forecasters.
Leyland’s record as Tigers manager: 324-288. It’s impressive when considered before Leyland arrived, the Tigers had suffered through a dozen straight losing seasons.
He communicates well with his players on a one-on-one basis. I like it that Leyland is more a "feel" manager than managing by the book. There are times when he is criticized for not handling his pitching staff well, but I think that’s unfounded. I consider it a strength. The Tigers’ bullpen in both 2006 and this season over-achieved in my mind. He is a really good communicator with his players. They respect him, and aren’t prone to test him on the field or in the clubhouse, because it’s understood he will standup to them. He gets a little grouchy with the media now and then, but is generally good in that role, too.
But not everybody feels that way about Leyland. He has his share of detractors. And maybe for good reason.
There do seem to be contradictions with Leyland, and they separate him from the truly great managers in the game. I mean, how many times has Tony LaRussa, Bobby Cox or Ron Gardenhire, for example, had truly bad clubs.
Granted, some years their clubs have been loaded with talent. But some years not so much. Seems like there is an all or nothing quality to Leyland’s career. Even here in Detroit, he has had two clubs that would have fall under the category of overachieving - 2006 and this season. But has there ever been a more disappointing team in the history of this town than the 2008 version of the Tigers?
Despite the three straight division championships he had in Pittsburgh, Leyland’s overall record with the Pirates was below .500. Same in Florida and his ill-fated year in Colorado.
Florida was 10 games better the season after Leyland left with John Boles. The Rockies won 11 games more the season after Leyland left with Buddy Bell.
Leyland’s career record is below .500 - 1,293-1,419. The best part about Leyland’s track record: If he has a chance to get his team to the postseason, he will. And his teams have generally done well in the postseason. Both the Tigers and Marlins reached the World Series as wildcard teams, for example.
But history also suggests, if his club falls into a tailspin, he isn’t the best at getting it out of it.
Even here in Detroit. Remember the second half of 2007? How the 2006 regular season ended?

Random Thoughts

- The Minnesota Vikings had an excellent team - except at quarterback. Logic dictates getting Brett Favre would put the Vikings over the top. But the way the situation was handled was awful, by both Favre and the Vikings. In a way, Favre has never been under more pressure in his career. Considering how little he has practiced with the team, and that the season is fast approaching, not sure he is prepared for it.

- Weirdest game on the college football schedule this season: Notre Dame vs. Washington State at San Antonio on Halloween.

- Get the feeling Lions rookie safety Louis Delmas is a 15-yard late hit penalty about to happen? Me, too.