Terry Foster: Don't Be Surprised If Ausmus Is Back In 2017
By Terry Foster
@TerryFoster971
Let me issue a warning right now. You might not believe it. You might think this is silly but here goes.
Do not be surprised if Brad Ausmus returns as manager of the Tigers next season. It is not a 100 percent slam dunk. There is always a chance the team totally tanks and player's revolt and General Manager Al Avila has no choice.
But I get the sense that the Tigers front office roots for the team not only because they want to win. I also believe they root for Brad Ausmus, a man they like and respect.
Sports people often say the right things to keep the ship steady. Avila went out of his way to make a point that Ausmus is not a lame duck manager.
He has power and the backing of the front office. It is something my Tigers people continue to tell me. I do not expect him to lose his gig even if the Tigers miss the playoffs.
I disagree. The Tigers can do better and missed an opportunity to do better by not hiring a more seasoned guy when Jim Leyland retired.
Let me disagree with Avila again. There are lame duck managers in baseball. There are lame duck coaches in sports. That happens when a coach is on the last year of his contract and players know he is on his way out.
They don't play hard. They barely listen to the coach and it creates a toxic atmosphere.
That hasn't happened with Ausmus. He and the Tigers should be applauded for that. Maybe players get the idea that the man is safe and do not rock the boat because of it.
Any way I just wanted to prepare you if Ausmus is back in the dugout for 2017.
(Foster can be reached at Terry.Foster@cbsradio.com)
