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More than a fans rejoice over the news that Tigers Manager Brad Ausmus won't return next season.
General Manager Al Avila issues as statement before Friday night's home game against Minnesota:
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.
Our search for a new manager is underway. We plan to keep an open-mind in considering current members of the coaching staff for positions in 2018, but that will be in conjunction with the manager we hire.
"I am comfortable with it," the outgoing manager tells sportswriters, according to Jason Beck of MLB.com. "I fully understood."
Ausmus adds: ""This team, this organization is starting over and needed a new voice. And sometimes you have to be able to evaluate yourself." The 48-year-old said he'd like to manage for another team.
Critics felt Ausmus was dealt good hands year after year, but couldn't take the Tigers to the land of champions. "He should have been fired two years ago," tweets WDIV reporter Jason Colthorp.
The former major league catcher, now 48, became a rookie manager for the Tigers in 2014.
