Last summer, unexpectedly, and long before the Tigers took control of the American League Central race, they extended the contract of team president and general manager Dave Dombrowski for five years, but manager Jim Leyland for only one.
At the time, I didn't think it was a good move, at least with Leyland, that he was at a point where he had to deliver the goods by winning the division title, which was just sitting there for the Tigers, who had faded consistently during the second half starting in 2007.
It turned out to be a moot point when the Tigers rolled to the division title, won their ALDS series against the Yankees and pushed the Rangers hard in the ALCS.
Ultimately, Leyland earned that extra year. I think he should get another extension beyond this season, but the reason is more than the success the Tigers had in 2011.
Leyland enters this season as essentially a lame duck manager, who has been put in a position where he is going to have handle some big stars with big contracts and big egos.
Maybe there will be no turmoil with Miguel Cabrera and Prince Fielder playing the same position, first base, but only one spot. Perhaps it will be as simple as Cabrera moving to third, playing like Michael Jack Schmidt, and the Tigers living happily ever after. I doubt Cabrera will be good at third based on 2008 when he was awful there, but it could happen.
But what if it doesn't? What if Leyland has to call the shots on a daily basis about who is the DH or at first base. What if noses get out of joint because of his decisions? What if, after what figures to be extraordinary hype, the Tigers get off to a slow start? What if this leads to some difficulties in the clubhouse?
Leyland, who is not afraid to do so, will put his foot down. But what is his leverage with the players? None if he is just on a one-year contract.
His authority in the clubhouse would be far greater if the players know he is going to be the Tigers manager for awhile.