The Detroit Tigers recently relieved Brad Ausmus of his managerial duties after four seasons with mixed results. The wheels really came off this season as the Tigers slumped into the basement of the American League Central and traded away all of their key veterans. The Tigers will now focus their efforts over the next few weeks on filling the job. The Tigers’ job may not be the most attractive, as the team is entering a rebuilding stage. Still, there are only 30 manager positions in the MLB and almost anyone would be grateful for the chance. It is tough to see what direction the Tigers will take, but there are many interesting candidates out there. Here are five possible candidates to replace Ausmus.
Alan Trammell
Alan Trammell has a lengthy history with the Detroit Tigers. The former shortstop spent his entire 20-year MLB career with the Tigers, winning multiple awards including 1984 World Series MVP. He also has experience managing the Tigers, although with much less success. Trammell took over managerial duties for the Tigers in 2003, but over his three years as manager, the Tigers had the worst winning percentage in the league at just .383. However, the Tigers were in a rebuilding process from 2003 to 2005, and if you look at the results following Trammell’s departure, you could make the argument he was a successful manager. Trammell currently works for the Tigers organization in the front office and could make a relatively seamless transition if the Tigers want him to take over the manager position.
Dave Hudgens
As the Houston Astros hitting coach this season, Dave Hudgens helped the group lead the Major Leagues in runs scored, batting average and OPS, while finishing second in home runs. Hudgens has managerial experience, which includes managing the former Oakland’s minor league affiliate, the now-defunct Medford A’s. Hudgens will be focused on the playoffs right now, but once the postseason for the Astros wraps up, he may be pursued by the Tigers for the open managerial position.
John Mabry
Taking a coach from one of the best organization in baseball and turning him into your manager is rarely a poor decision. That is why John Mabry, currently the St. Louis Cardinals hitting coach, makes an appearance on this list. During Mabry time with the Cardinals, the organization has continued to be one of the best franchises in baseball, and although they will miss the playoffs in 2017, the team has had a winning record every year with Mabry as their hitting coach. Mabry does not have any managerial experience, but as a player, Mabry played five different positions for eight different teams giving him a wealth of knowledge and experience.
Omar Vizquel
Although he has no managerial experience, Omar Vizquel went straight into coaching after retiring from the MLB in 2012. Few players have as much experience as Omar Vizquel, who played 24 years in the Majors, finishing his career with 2877 hits and 11 Gold Gloves. Vizquel has been working with the Detroit Tigers since 2014, taking on the job of the first-base coach and later adding on the role of infield and base running instructor. Vizquel is a long shot to land the job in Detroit, but if he does, he certainly would be popular with the fans and players.
Mike Maddux
Mike Maddux, the brother of the great Greg Maddux, has been coaching in the Majors since 2003 and it may finally be time for the veteran pitching coach to get a manager job. Currently, Maddux is the pitching coach for the Washington Nationals, but his contract expires after the season is over. Maddux has worked with some of the most accomplished pitchers of the last 15 years, including CC Sabathia, (in his prime), Yu Darvish and Max Scherzer. Maddux has been a candidate for a managerial position on three separate occasions, but has yet to land a job. Maddux will be unavailable to take the position until the Nationals playoff run is over, but once it is, he is an excellent candidate for the Tigers job.
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