OT- Tigers to hire Brad Ausmus as new manager
Today was awful, but maybe this cheers some people up.
http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2013/11/tigers-to-hire-ausmus-as-manager.html#disqus_thread
Source: #Tigers to hire Ausmus as manager. First reported @AdamSpolane.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) November 3, 2013
November 3rd, 2013 at 1:12 AM ^
I'm wishing he had some managing experience under his belt, but otherwise everything i've read about him, since Leyland turned in his resignation, has spoken highly of his Baseball IQ.
I don't know if there is data available somewhere showing the breakdown of MLB Managers and their playing positions prior to managing, but I'm fairly certain that there are more former catchers than any other position.
Somewhat of a risky move, but one I much prefer over some worn-out retread such as Dusty Baker.
November 3rd, 2013 at 6:12 AM ^
I don't think I've ever seen a formal list of managers by position played, but you might be right - I think a fair number of them were catchers. Even looking in recent history (whether they are still working or not), you have Joe Girardi, Joe Maddon, Fredi Gonzalez, Mike Scioscia, Bruce Bochy, Bob Melvin, Mike Matheny and I believe Ned Yost as well. I want to say most of the rest in the MLB were infielders of some variety.
November 3rd, 2013 at 6:51 AM ^
November 3rd, 2013 at 9:12 AM ^
November 3rd, 2013 at 7:02 AM ^
November 3rd, 2013 at 9:16 AM ^
My first thought as well, which is kind of sad.
November 3rd, 2013 at 7:40 AM ^
November 3rd, 2013 at 10:15 AM ^
He has some experience managing the Israeli national team for what it's worth.
I don't hate the hire -- hopefully we shore up the bullpen and make his life a lot easier.
November 3rd, 2013 at 11:13 AM ^
Congrats, Tigers, I think Ausmus will be a good hire. My Mariners also interviewed him, but now that he's off the table, I am hoping it's either Cora or McLendon that get the job in Seattle.
November 3rd, 2013 at 1:31 PM ^
The more I look it up, the more I like this hire. He's a very smart man (in 2010 Sporting News named him 9th smartest person in all of sports) and he was a good defensive catcher. Some of the best managers are former catchers because they are the brains. Essentially known as the qb/middle linebacker of the baseball diamond.
He's young, smart, and was hired by Dombrowski. I trust Dombrowski. The key will probably be to surround himself with good coaches and to earn the respect of the players but I think the players will respect a manager with intelligence. Ausmus is said to have great people skills and was endorsed by an ok manager named Joe Torre.
November 3rd, 2013 at 3:56 PM ^
Anyone else surprised they let Veras go? Not a ton of bullpen options in FA this year
November 3rd, 2013 at 4:53 PM ^
1) Nets hired Kidd -- even less removed. Ausmus spent some time at least with the Padres front office.
2) A little surprised yes.
November 3rd, 2013 at 6:06 PM ^
I figured Veras' postseason was enough to bring him back but evidentially not. They need major help and I envision at least one or two trades to fill the hole(s).
November 3rd, 2013 at 6:34 PM ^
Ya maybe I'm wrong but I think a manager is much more of a CEO style position than a head coach in football. Give him a compotent bullpen, bring in a hitting coach not named Lloyd McClenden and let the boys do their things. This a veteran team that knows what they have to do to win.
November 3rd, 2013 at 4:56 PM ^
Very surprised they let Veras walk, considering his option wasn't all that expensive to pick up. Either they are going to make a few trades, or we could be seeing a massive youth movement with Casey Crosby, Melvin Mercedes, and Corey Knebel making the jump to the majors.
November 3rd, 2013 at 4:58 PM ^
so happy its not gene lamont or dusty baker.
i would have been happy with larussa (never seemed likely), gardenhire, or ausmus.
ausmus is obviously the riskiest, but also boldest. i dont think managing ego's is too big of a deal. cabrarra, hunter, martinez, scherzer, and verlander are team first guys. i'd say prince too, but he was pretty moody this year and a more delicate situation. the secondary guys might be the tougher to manager.
dombrowski certainly gets the benefit of the doubt from me.