"As we transition the ballclub in a new direction, I feel it's best we have a new approach and a fresh start with the manager position. Brad has done an admirable job under, at times, difficult circumstances, especially this season, and we appreciate his professionalism and dedication to the Tigers the past four years."
To which Ausmus responded he woulda turned down an offer to return. This succinct retrospect of an underwhelming season turned fire-sale season turned tragic remainder of season surely cannot be blamed on one man. This is simply feces succumbing to the forces of gravity. The response to this completely foreseen news hath been met by the usual frustration-laced fandom, with all the drek left at Ausmus' cleats.
Of course, this isn't fully the case. Even prior to the wholesale departure of Verlander, J.D. Martinez, Justin Wilson, and Justin Upton -- the Detroit squad wasn't complete 'nuff to make a run under any manager. Like-wise and soitenly, since then too, no manager could steer the barely pro club to any even palest shade of success. The difference being a manager in the second scenario leaves.
Make no mistake about it, gentlepersons: Brad Ausmus will have a better 2018 than the Detroit Tigers. The squad is looking down the barrel of a 100-loss season whilst the prospects they received for Verlander et al, either sink or swim down on the farm.
This may have read thus far as my nigh complete backing of Brad Ausmus, but now I'm about to write more sentences. The fella did have, since 2014, the on-field helm of an organization with a fat, open wallet which lead to no shortage of low to mid level stars. With this, he and they plum failed to win. Although dashing back to his defense, they never seemed put together overly well by upper management. There appeared scant cohesive vision in the signings.
Thus, the four year term of Ausmus concludes, meaning a new one must begin come 2018, as the former 18 MLB campaign catcher will stay on through the season's nine remaining games. I don't assume the Tigers are looking for a Joe Maddon-esque figure, mainly 'cause them figures ain't looking at them. Instead, to keep within a Cubbies theme, a Rick Renteria like place-holder in year one settling in of re-build seems a decent sight-set.
And so now there's another signing to be made. Omar Vizquel. I say he's the front-runner for the Tigers gig. I'm just not sure I'd wanna be him. He's been a coach with the team since 2013, spark-plugs on the bench as he did in the field, and would offer some cohesive continuity. Sorry, Omar.
As for Ausmus, I never was quite convinced he loved being a manager. He seemed somewhat... burdened by it all. He's got a good baseball mind though, and I'm interested to see if he springs up again, and where. He's smart 'nuff to have learnt from all this, even if all he learnt was this ain't for him.
IN ADDITION:
"I Was the Cook" Kaplowitz Radio: September 20, 2017
This may have read thus far as my nigh complete backing of Brad Ausmus, but now I'm about to write more sentences. The fella did have, since 2014, the on-field helm of an organization with a fat, open wallet which lead to no shortage of low to mid level stars. With this, he and they plum failed to win. Although dashing back to his defense, they never seemed put together overly well by upper management. There appeared scant cohesive vision in the signings.
Thus, the four year term of Ausmus concludes, meaning a new one must begin come 2018, as the former 18 MLB campaign catcher will stay on through the season's nine remaining games. I don't assume the Tigers are looking for a Joe Maddon-esque figure, mainly 'cause them figures ain't looking at them. Instead, to keep within a Cubbies theme, a Rick Renteria like place-holder in year one settling in of re-build seems a decent sight-set.
And so now there's another signing to be made. Omar Vizquel. I say he's the front-runner for the Tigers gig. I'm just not sure I'd wanna be him. He's been a coach with the team since 2013, spark-plugs on the bench as he did in the field, and would offer some cohesive continuity. Sorry, Omar.
As for Ausmus, I never was quite convinced he loved being a manager. He seemed somewhat... burdened by it all. He's got a good baseball mind though, and I'm interested to see if he springs up again, and where. He's smart 'nuff to have learnt from all this, even if all he learnt was this ain't for him.
IN ADDITION:
"I Was the Cook" Kaplowitz Radio: September 20, 2017