Marcus Thames is a strong option for next Tigers manager

Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty ImagesLike many organizations, Major League Baseball clubs love to wax poetic about their culture. Most of this is empty chatter, catchphrases and buzzwords, adding up to erudite prose that conveys little actual information. When teams restructure their front office, or hire a new manager, such talk typically reaches a fever pitch but it can all be summed up succinctly; teams like to hire people they’re familiar with.

This isn’t an esoteric concept. A new manager immediately becomes the de facto team spokesman and tone-setter. Temperament, communication skills, and intelligence are important considerations beyond the more baseball specific qualities preferred.…