Succeeding Jim Leyland

Or if we could get Gibby to leave Arizona

but at this stage, I think Gibby’s doing fine in AZ. Would love it, though.

but given the investment in the team they may feel better getting a more proven commodity at the MLB level. Hard saying. But Nevin will find his way to the MLB at some point I think.

Patty postulated that DD has told Terry Francona “You go ahead and spend a year as a baseball commenter and we’ll hire you next year when Leyland’s contract is up” Of course, a WS win would go a long way toward JL’s job security, assuming he wants to keep managing.

But if he doesn’t or the Tigers fail miserably this season, mark Patty’s words.

I don’t think they really fit with this team and aren’t what the Tiger’s should look for in their next manager. Gibby and Maddon have excelled with young players on teams without bonafied super-stars (before you start whining about Longoria, he was not a superstar when Maddon started). While you can, and should, argue with a lot of Jim’s in-game strategy I don’t think you can make a strong complaint about his ability to manage people and personalities. A big-budget team like the tigers, with bonafied stars, doesn’t need a ra’ra’ motivational manager like Gibson, or a “lets have fun and dress in drag for the plane ride” guy, like Maddon, those two are far better suited to managing young players who haven’t really developed professional attitudes yet.

i do think we’ll get a “name guy” as some have said.
i doubt Gibby would leave arizona, but you never know.
that being said, i would absolutely love Maddon! the way he can handle a young squad, it would be awesome to see what he could do with established talent (not saying the rays don’t, but stacked up against the Tigers… c’mon). he also does an excellent job at keeping the clubhouse calm and cool.
another would have to be one that’s been mentioned, but i’ll say it again: Francona. however, i really think he’ll get a job in an organization before the next season is done.

however, what if the Tigers actually win the World Series…? would the Tigers renew JL’s contract? would he want to continue managing (or go out a la La Russa)? would they let JL walk if the Tigers make it to the ALCS or WS, but not advance/win?

I think that Maddon and Gibby are exactly what the Tigers need, which is someone that understands how to get runs across the plate in a close game, and how to get maximum effort from their players. Leyland is good at the latter.

Unfortunately, Maddon and Gibby have both signed extensions recently with their current clubs. Francona is available.

I think that Leyland will be around for a few more seasons, one at a time.