Detroit Tigers putting end to speculations, give Jim Leyland one year contract extension – MLB
Detroit Tigers’ Manager Jim Leyland will stay in Detroit for one more year, reports a leading sports website. After the Tigers took a 4-0 hammering in World Series against the Giants, there were speculations that owner Mike Ilitch might end Leyland’s contract
but that did not turn out to be the case.
Ilitch wanted to give Leyland one more chance to take Tigers to the World Series title glory. Throughout the season, Leyland insisted that there will come a time and a place to discuss his managing future and the moment came on Tuesday. A spokesperson made
the official announcement confirming that Leyland will be managing the Tigers in 2013 as well.
Leyland is the most successful manager among all active managers in Major League Baseball right now. With 1676 wins, he had more wins under his belt than any of his competitors. In his seven years in Detroit, he has led the Tigers to numerous memorable victories.
''I think he pretty much understood that we wanted him back, but it was not something that he really wanted to talk about,'' Dombrowski said about Leyland’s one year contract extension. ''When you know somebody for an extended time, you know what areas you
prefer to leave untouched - you don't talk about certain things until it's that time.''
''Probably 'Tom in Royal Oak' isn't too happy right now, but that's OK.'' Leyland said in a post game interview. ''That's just the way it goes. I'm sorry Tom, but I'm back.''
The new contract is also for one year, which shows Leyland wants to take his future year by year at this stage of his career.
After Tigers’ impressive American League Championship Series win against the New York Yankees, General Manager Dave Dombrowski had indicated Leyland will be the first choice for managing vacancy. Tigers’ official announcement also put an end to any public
discussion and rumours.
Despite the poor ending to the season, Leyland is a very reputed figure among all Tigers’ fans. It will be interesting to see if Leyland can help the Tigers win the World Series title in 2013.
Tags: