The Detroit Tigers were expected to compete for a playoff berth this season. The Tigers have struggled this season and have the second worst record in the American League. General Manager Dave Dombrowski was fired and Al Avila was promoted to the same position. The writing is on the wall that manager Brad Ausmus will be fired. If Ausmus is fired, here are three candidates the Tigers could hire.
Ron Gardenhire, former Minnesota Twins manager
The former skipper of the Minnesota Twins appears to be the leading candidate for the Tigers, should Ausmus be fired. Gardenhire has a strong relationship with former Tigers manager, and current front office member, Jim Leyland. As with many coaching hires, teams tend to go the exact opposite way once of the coach they fired. Going from the inexperienced Ausmus to a veteran like Gardenhire would fit that example.
Rick Renteria, former Chicago Cubs manager
Renteria lasted only one season as the Cubs manager before he was replaced by Joe Maddon. Renteria could get another chance shortly, as both the Tigers and Marlins are rumored to have interest in him. Renteria interviewed with the Tigers when the club hired Ausmus.
Matt Williams, current Washington Nationals manager
Williams is unlikely to return to Washington following the Nationals' disastrous second half collapse, but he may be the best manager available. Williams won NL Manager of the Year in 2014 and had the Nationals as one of the best teams in baseball before their collapse. The Tigers could give Williams a call to see if he has any interest.
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