Jim Leyland's Influence

Jim Leyland has come home to the Detroit Tigers at just the right time. He clearly commands respect from the players, something that has apparently been missing the past several years. The team sure does look different than it did last year -- the first year that Tigers fans could really "expect" good results. Last season, truly, was a disappointment. It was clear that the management crew needed to be changed.

Alan Trammell is a Tigers legend who was way overmatched as a manager. Is he a Joe Torre, someone who someday will be a great manager when he gets experience? Or is he only a one-time manager who will never get another chance? I think that what the Tigers should consider having an Alan Trammell day next season and retire his number, "3." This season would be too soon, but a year from now may be appropriate. The man should be honored for all he did in his many years as a Detroit Tiger.

Having said that, Jim Leyland was in line to become a Tiger manager way back in '79. But another veteran National League manager arrived and stayed 17 seasons ... And many people are saying that Jim Leyland coming in right now reminds them of when Sparky Anderson arrived in June 1979.

It could be a fun, fun season! Go Tigers!