MLB News: Detroit Tigers Will Fire Brad Ausmus After The Season — Who Will Replace Him?
Amid a disappointing season in 2015, the Detroit Tigers will relieve Brad Ausmus of his managerial duties after 2015. Former Minnesota Twins skipper Ron Gardenhire will replace him, according to Justin Spiro of Detroit Sports Rag.
Source: Nothing has changed. Ron Gardenhire will replace Brad Ausmus in Detroit.
— Justin Spiro (@DarkoStateNews) September 11, 2015
Source: Tigers officials were not prepared for this timeline of Ausmus news. Currently discussing next course of action. — Justin Spiro (@DarkoStateNews) September 11, 2015
The 46-year-old Ausmus took over the reins of leading the Tigers after the 2013 season, succeeding the legendary Jim Leyland. In his first season as a manager, the former longtime Major League catcher led the Tigers to a 90-72 record, good enough to win the American League Central division.
But the team did not get out of the first round, as they were swept by the Baltimore Orioles in the ALDS.
Looking to build off a successful first season, Ausmus and the Tigers seemed primed to repeat as AL Central champions in 2015. With a solid rotation that featured David Price, a lineup anchored by superstars Miguel Cabrera, Victor Martinez, and new acquisition Yoenis Cespedes, the Tigers looked ready to roar.
However, injuries to Cabrera and Verlander hurt the team in the early going. Despite some solid stretches and a powerful offense, the Tigers never settled in and now sit in last place with a 64-76 record.
Aware of their unlikely postseason chances, the Tigers traded the impending free agents Price and Cespedes to the Toronto Blue Jays and New York Mets, respectively.
Spiro adds that the Tigers’ offices “are as tense as they have ever been.”
I was just told the Tigers offices are as tense as they have ever been. Debate regarding how to proceed is ongoing. Tough spot for all.
— Justin Spiro (@DarkoStateNews) September 11, 2015
When longtime president of the Tigers Dave Dombrowski left the team after 14 years earlier this season (per MLB.com), there was speculation that several changes would be made. One of those changes is replacing Ausmus, who Spiro notes was not wanted to begin with — he was strictly hired because Dombrowski pushed for him.
The Brad Ausmus “evaluation” concluded at the end of July. He has been a dead man walking since the decision to sell was made. This is fact.
— Justin Spiro (@DarkoStateNews) September 11, 2015
Brad Ausmus was not wanted by Mike Ilitch to begin with. Dave Dombrowski talked ownership into the hire. DD is gone. Not hard to figure out.
— Justin Spiro (@DarkoStateNews) September 11, 2015
Ausmus’ replacement, Ron Gardenhire, will bring a track record of success to the Motor City. Managing the Twins from 2002-2014, Gardenhire led them to division championships on six different occasions. However, the Twins also experienced five losing seasons under Gardenhire, including four straight from 2011-2014.
The former Major League shortstop for the Mets also took home AL Manager of the Year honors in 2010. Fired after 13 seasons at the helm, Gardenhire left the Twin Cities with a compiled record of 1068-1039 (.507 percent) as manager.
No official announcement has been made, but Spiro notes that it’s only a matter of time.
[Image by Leon Halip/Getty Images]
