Brad Ausmus

It's interesting that the Tigers once again have stayed within the organization in bringing back Brad Ausmus to manage the team. He is the third consecutive former Tiger hired to manage the team, and the second former catcher. Ausmus wasn't the greatest hitter, but he could run a pitching staff. I like the move.

His first year in Detroit, 1996, was not a good season. It was Buddy Bell's first season as manager and the team lost 109 games. His next season back, 1999, was Larry Parrish's first full season as manager. Remember, Parrish backstabbed Bell and ended up with his job. It was a strange era in Detroit. The team was better in '99. He had a solid 2000 but was traded after the season in what was perceived as a cost–cutting measure.          

Ausmus will be a solid manager. I remember during his playing days that people would talk about him as a future manager. He has been working for the Padres but not coaching or managing. It's an interesting move, but it should work out.

It's outside the box thinking and similar to what the Cardinals did a couple of years ago with U–M grad Mike Matheny. He's been successful with St. Louis so there's a precedent for the Tigers' move. I still expect the team to be more aggressive. They'll probably pay more attention to numbers but not match–ups.

I could live with Gene Lamont and Jeff Jones sticking around but I wouldn't be too upset if they left. It'll get exciting now.