A Trail of Justins

The Problem With Success: You Can Have No Justins 

The Tigers had an unprecedented run from 2006 through 2014. Jim Leyland was the manager for most of the era and Dave Dombrowski was the general manager. When Dombrowski came on board in the early 2000s, you could sense that a direction had finally arrived in Detroit. He worked closely with the owner, Mike Illitch, to build a top notch baseball team. The only problem with the Tigers teams during the era was that they were build like the 1970s era Baltimore Orioles — always waiting for the three-run home run. Well, the other problem was that the bullpen construction was … terrible. I'm not saying the scouts and management didn't try, it just didn't work.

When Pudge arrived, things changed. 

It's On

With the trade last week of veteran starting pitcher and future Hall of Famer Justin Verlander, the Tigers signaled that the rebuild was real. It was happening. Apparently, we didn't get that idea as the team jettisoned JD Martinez ahead of time. Then, at the non–waiver trade deadline the Tigers moved Justin Wilson and Alex Avilia to the Cubs for some prospects. Suddenly, on the playoff–deadline day, the Tigers shocked everyone by sending Justin Upton to the Angels and, with a minute to spare, Justin Verlander to the Astros. The Astros made total sense as a destination for Verlander. He's a stud, big game pitcher and the Houston Astros needed one of those. Presumably, the prospects the Tigers acquired in the trade are top–notch talent. The 'Stros have been building for 2017 for a long time, so the trade could be the final piece of the puzzle.

Tiger fans were fortunate for several years to have JV as their Must See feature every fifth day. 

2006

The Tigers came out of nowhere in 2006 when they ended up in the World Series. You could say that Jim Leyland put Detroit baseball back on the map. As the Tigers' manager, Leyland had an incredible run. He was in charge and everyone knew it. Sure, we complained now and then — often loudly about his bullpen management — but Jim Leyland was one hell of a great manager. We missed him as soon as he retired. The Tigers made a mistake hiring Brad Ausmus to guide the team following Leyland. Ausmus' first team came out like a different club, stealing 35 bases in his first month. You could see that the direction had changed. Then, suddenly, it hadn't. The team quit running all the time and tracked back to the more 3–run HR style. The Tigers direction had been to go with a "team concept" alá the Pistons of the early 2000s; however, when the team decided to sign Pudge Rodriguez, all bets were off. The Tigers became somewhat of a destination club, which was cool. Free agents weren't scared to join the Tigers and Comerica Park became an okay place to play. When the team finally had some fun in the playoffs in '06, Comerica Park finally became "real" to many of us. Prior, we longed for the friendly confines of Tiger Stadium.

Up & Down

The Tigers had a great run from '06 to '14. Sure, there were ups and downs — and complete failures (read: 2008). Who else cried in 2009 when Porcello lost out to the Twins? The 2012 and 2013 teams were great. I still believe the Tigers were the best team in '12, but the Giants were hot; then, in '13, the Red Sox were DOWN and suddenly UP. The run basically ended when Prince Fielder belly flopped into third base … then talked to the media after the game. In a blue collar town like Detroit, you don't act like a lousy effort in the playoffs was meaningless! Ausmus' bullpen use in the '14 playoffs is, um, classic.

Comerica Park

Comerica Park is not a home run haven, despite what the architects of the Tigers lineups would have you believe. Yes, we've had some home run hitters, but the CoPa is not that kind of park. The Tigers have to build a team with a quick outfield, guys who can hit doubles, guys who can steal bases. Pitchers who can shut down opponents. And, finally, a bullpen. If Al Avila is going to rebuild the Tigers, he has to build a team FOR COMERICA PARK. Forget about the beauty and popularity of the home run, build a team like the '80s Cardinals who used speed to win baseball games. Comerica Park is a national park. It's huge. Build a team for that. I think that Daz Cameron, acquired in the Verlander deal, will probably man center field in the not to distant future. He'll be surrounded by similarly quick guys who can make plays in the outfield. The infield must be build by vacuums who can pick it. Speed and defense is the way the Tigers will win a Championship in their second go round in about three years. This has the potential to be a short rebuild. If Avila does it right, he will somehow build a bullpen. That was missing in the first carnation of the Tigers' dynasty. The rebuild will not be easy. The trades were the right thing to do. The Tigers payroll was bloated, the players were not performing, and the coaching staff has suffered.

The Ausmus Factor

If the Tigers do not give the pink slip to Ausmus, they may have a fan mutiny. Ausmus may not be entirely to blame for the team's problems, but his coaches should take the brunt of it. Changes must be made. The Tigers need teachers to coach the players. Tigers fans are passionate. They are tired of this team's underperforming. They blame Ausmus. If Ausmus returns for 2018, I think it will backlash on the Tigers. I don't think people will attend games. Who would I consider? I would reach out to Ron Washington, Ron Gardenhire, and Ron, er, Ozzie Guillen. Those are three experienced managers who I believe could take the rebuild and lead it on the right path. Washington always impressed me with the way he led those damn Rangers teams against the Tigers in the playoffs. Gardy, he's just a good manager. Ozzie, with the Tigers heavy Latin influences, would be a good leader for the team. Ausmus cannot return. After hiring a manager, the Tigers have to put together a teaching/coaching staff. I am always amazed at the results Ray Searage gets as the pitching coach in Pittsburgh. We need someone like that who can teach and develop.

Jim Leyland was my favorite manager. Brad Ausmus is no Jim Leyland. 

Rant over. 

I've been thinking this whole thing in my mind for about a week. I love the Tigers — always will. My fortieth year of routing for them was nothing like that first year when Mark Fidrych took the world by storm. I've been a die hard for a long, long time. I've seen good teams and I've seen bad teams. I've been able to watch future Hall of Famers on a regular basis. I've had Sparky Anderson and Jim Leyland as the manager of my favorite baseball team. (I've also had Luis Pujols as the manager for that team …) I don't think it will be long before they're good again, but it will be a long couple of years. If the ownership makes the right choice in the new leadership, that will limit the pain. I hope the team puts a focus once again on character because that makes a difference.

But before I end, can anyone explain what the problem with Justin is in Detroit this year?