The news we all have been waiting for has been announced: Brad Ausmus will not return as the manager of the Detroit Tigers beyond the 2017 season.
The team held a press conference today to make the announcement, coming on the heels of a 12-1 drubbing by the Minnesota Twins.
The #Tigers announced today that the contract of manager Brad Ausmus will not be extended beyond the 2017 season ➡️ https://t.co/SCIBxK07pN pic.twitter.com/n5xTlznNCi
— Detroit Tigers (@tigers) September 22, 2017
Update:
As of today, Ausmus is a sub-.500 manager with names like Verlander, Cabrera, V. Martinez, J. Martinez, and Kinsler on his roster. Over four seasons he amassed a 312-325 record and missed the playoffs for three consecutive years.
Ausmus was hired in 2014 with no managerial experience–something that showed through his tenure in Detroit. His mismanaging of the bullpen and flippancy with the media didn't help his case either.
So what's next for the Detroit Tigers?
Al Avila addressed this as well, though he didn't mention names he was going after either.
Avila says it's going to be a long process, talks hiring someone who will have the energy to get through it, starting process immediately
— Kellie Rowe (@kellierowe) September 22, 2017
Avila placed emphasis on experience for next manager, either managing or coaching in MLB or managing in minor leagues.
— Jason Beck (@beckjason) September 22, 2017
Amid the rebuild that is already underway, this move was another step in the right direction for the franchise. With the plethora of young players that will be filling out the lineup card each day, a strong and seasoned manager is just what the doctor ordered. The culture around Ausmus' reign has been a losing culture; bringing in a new guy, with fresh faces in the dugout, will help to change the culture immediately.
Welcome to the new look Detroit Tigers. It may be different than we're used to, but at least we're headed in the right direction. To quote Bob Dylan, “the times, they are a changin'”, and for Tigers fans, that's a welcomed sight.
