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Timing Perfect For Leyland Contract Extension
I don't disagree with the Tigers extending manager Jim Leyland's contract, particularly at this critical time. I think two years, through the 2011 season, is the perfect length, too.
The Tigers are in the middle of a pennant race. Leyland is trying to sort out some major issues, not the least of which is the Magglio Ordonez situation.
It's one of those issues players tend to take sides. Leyland has been thrust into a position where he can't have players ignoring him because they don't believe he will be there next season, nor stop playing as hard for him, because they want him out. Knowing he will be there gives Leyland the necessary hammer.
Also, I believe Leyland is a strength for the Tigers, not a weakness. I know last season didn't go well, but a lot of that had to do with an unbalanced roster. Lets face it, often last season Leyland was, in a baseball sense, picking between two poisons.
Leyland has taken three different organizations, and three clubs with much different styles, to the postseason. He has won the World Series. And I don't see all these great candidates out there to replace him.
I know this: There was a major dropoff in the managing skills of the Tigers' managers after Sparky Anderson departed. Buddy Bell and Alan Trammell had never managed before - and it showed in everything from not getting pitchers warmed up in the bullpen on time to ridiculously managing by the book. Luis Pujols was a disaster. His clubhouse was collapsing, and he never seemed to leave his office, prefering instead to perpetually watch The Weather Channel. I'm not exaggerating, either. Phil Garner was a disappointment. He and his staff did some things to seriously hinder the career of prospects such as Brandon Inge and Nate Cornejo. Leyland is, by far, the best manager the Tigers have had since Sparky. He knows how to run a clubhouse and manage a game. He does it by feel and relying on his considerable experience. He will stand up to players if needed.
If he has a team good enough to win it, Leyland will. That's all you can ask, isn't it?
The Tigers are in the middle of a pennant race. Leyland is trying to sort out some major issues, not the least of which is the Magglio Ordonez situation.
It's one of those issues players tend to take sides. Leyland has been thrust into a position where he can't have players ignoring him because they don't believe he will be there next season, nor stop playing as hard for him, because they want him out. Knowing he will be there gives Leyland the necessary hammer.
Also, I believe Leyland is a strength for the Tigers, not a weakness. I know last season didn't go well, but a lot of that had to do with an unbalanced roster. Lets face it, often last season Leyland was, in a baseball sense, picking between two poisons.
Leyland has taken three different organizations, and three clubs with much different styles, to the postseason. He has won the World Series. And I don't see all these great candidates out there to replace him.
I know this: There was a major dropoff in the managing skills of the Tigers' managers after Sparky Anderson departed. Buddy Bell and Alan Trammell had never managed before - and it showed in everything from not getting pitchers warmed up in the bullpen on time to ridiculously managing by the book. Luis Pujols was a disaster. His clubhouse was collapsing, and he never seemed to leave his office, prefering instead to perpetually watch The Weather Channel. I'm not exaggerating, either. Phil Garner was a disappointment. He and his staff did some things to seriously hinder the career of prospects such as Brandon Inge and Nate Cornejo. Leyland is, by far, the best manager the Tigers have had since Sparky. He knows how to run a clubhouse and manage a game. He does it by feel and relying on his considerable experience. He will stand up to players if needed.
If he has a team good enough to win it, Leyland will. That's all you can ask, isn't it?
posted by Pat Caputo at
5:52 PM
4 Comments
