My thoughts, for what they’re worth on the events of the last two days…
On Jim Leyland and the press conference
I have to say that I was impressed with Leyland’s answers at the press conference. I liked his very frank honesty. Although I don’t believe that he doesn’t know much about the club he’s taking over. For someone that was preaching preparation, I have a hard time believing he doesn’t know what he’s getting into. Either through the media relations staff, Dave Dombrowski, or his own preparation, he knew what questions would be coming, and he was prepared with answers.
Will he be a good fit for the Tigers? Probably. One of my biggest concerns with Leyland was the fact he quit his last job – six years ago. He addressed that right away, and was very frank about it. It remains to be seen if the same thing will happen again, but for now I’ll take his answer at face value.
My other concern is how he handled his young pitching staff in Florida. That wasn’t addressed in the press conference, and remains a major concern given the age of the Tiger rotation next year. Especially given the fact that both Justin Verlander and Joel Zumaya will probably be called on to contribute in some way. As for how he handled the rotation in Colorado, it is hard to say. For one thing it was Colorado, and normal rules for judging pitcher abuse probably don’t apply. And another thing, his rotation was comprised of guys in their late 20’s and early 30’s as opposed to tender 23 year old arms.
It will be interesting to see how much influence the front office has in pitcher usage, and who Leyland tabs as his pitching coach.
On the process
I’m actually not that upset with the way things went down. It’s pretty clear that Dombrowski wasn’t looking to hire a new manager, he was looking to hire Leyland. Whether or not that is the right move remains to be seen, but if Dombrowski was getting the guy he wanted then why wait? With that being the case it doesn’t bother me that the process moved so quickly. It does make you wonder though, as Luke commented, if Leyland wasn’t available would Trammell still be manager?
As for cursory interviews of Juan Samuel and Bruce Fields, I have to believe that they were fully aware of the situation. Hopefully the Tigers will make room for them within the organization in exchange for their loyalty.
On Trammell
For many long term fans of the Tigers, this move hurts. As fans we typically cheer for the uniform more than the individual. In Trammell’s case he was the uniform. His years of service to the organization, always executed with class and professionalism, became what we wanted the English D to represent. He defined the uniform as much, if not more, than the uniform defined our admiration for him. Because of that, it is hard not to feel a little bit empty when you realize that Trammell will never wear that uniform again.
I encourage you to read this passionate and well thought out comment by Cameron
OK…so I’ve had a little time to think about this. Leyland will probably be a better manager than Trammell. How much better remains to be seen. Obviously, Dombrowski wanted Leyland, so I agree that if he’s the one you really want and you can get him, then it’s probably best to get him now.
I just have a problem in general with the way all pro sports treat the manager/head coach position. The players are all professionals and have usually been playing the game since they were little kids. In other words, the players have to play well and there’s not a whole lot the manager can do about that. In my opinion, the difference between a great manager vs. an average one (Tram probably was a bit below average with the potential to be above average) is probably 5 games or so when you adjust for players, parks, etc. That said, it is too bad Trammell couldn’t just finish out his contract.
As for Leyland, even though I think he’ll be a good manager, the guy flat out said he’s unfamiliar with the American League, he’s unfamiliar with the Tigers, he stunk in Colorado because he was burnt out, and he made several references to being old (60 years old). So we have an old guy who is 6 years older than when he was burnt out at Colorado. He has averaged under 79 wins per season as a manager overall. Not that impressive on the face of it. Had Illich bought a team like Huizenga did in Florida, Tram would have looked great too.
I’m really hoping that Bob Cluck will be here still (he’s secure, right? I mean. They’d have to be nuts to get rid of him, right?) and will help with the young pitchers.
I agree with you Mike. I am not doubting Leyland is a good manager, but there still is questions surrounding the way he handled the pitching staffs at both Florida and Colorado. Plus add in his unfamaliarity with American League baseball. I still think Dombrowski will be on the hot seat next year.
I will always despise the 2005 Tigers for the way they laid down on Trammell.
Was he a great manager? No. Is Jim Leyland an improvement? Of course. But Trammell was the greatest Tiger ballplayer of my generation (I’m 36). As you said, he was always a thoroughly decent man of the highest order of professionalism and class.
The same can’t be said for the bulk of the “men” he managed.
it is too bad Trammell couldn’t just finish out his contract.
Mike, I don’t disagree with the rest of your points, but I don’t think you’ll ever see a manager finish out his contract. If the team is doing well, the manager is going to get an extension. If the team’s doing poorly, can you imagine how much trouble he’d have rallying the troops if he was in the last couple months of his contract?
The manager needs ownership’s support, or the players of today will not respect him. There were already reports of that happening with the tigers 6-8 weeks ago. If they let Trammell have another year without a strong statement of support from management (i.e. 3+ year contract extension) he would have achieved lame duck status by mid june.
It really seems to be an all or nothing game.
Actually, Boston Fan, I don’t think the front office plans to renew Cluck’s contract. I think it’s a huge mistake but hey, I’ve been wrong before.
According to the Free Press, Leyland is looking at Rothschild–currently with the Cubs–to take over the pitching staff.
Now here’s a guy we should all be worried about handling our staff–especially if we have the two young guys in the rotation next year. The Cubs have absolutely mangled all that talent they have.
I saw that as well, and it scares me too. More research and more commentary later tonight.
From what I have been reading Leyland is bringing all new blood for the coaching staff. No holdovers. That hasn’t happened since Ralph Houk was manager. Good bye ’84 Tigers.
It is too bad that Leyland will not consider Cluck. The majority of the players he has had throughout his tenure, such as Bonderman, Maroth, Walker, Spurling, Robertson, Rodney, German have if not greatly, marginally improved. These pitchers have not had any major setbacks. The only players that have not improved are the ones did not stay with the team long anyways. I would like to see what he can do with Verlander and Zumaya.
In addition to the loss of Cluck, Leyland plans to bring in mainly former Pirate players. I don’t quite remember the Pirates of the late 80’s and early 90’s having the most strategic of ballplayers. Slaught and Van Slyke, two of the considerations, don’t have any coaching experience. I don’t see how this is an improvement. Of course, Joey already touched on the Rothschild issue. I hope this is not a sign of Leyland’s great wisdom.
Well I think there’s little doubt that Zumaya and Verlander will end up being this decade’s Matt Anderson and Nate Cornejo
Haha…the positivity is blowing me away!
If the ineptitude of Tigers organization has finally led readers of this blog to despair, the Tigers organization has something to be worried about.