Detroit — Invitations for Tigers general manager Al Avila's season-ending debriefing were, apparently, for exclusive company, so I wasn't there. But judging by what I've heard and read, here are some of my takeaways.
1. Can we stop assuming Avila has had conversations with Mike Ilitch? The Tigers are very conveniently using the phrase "Mr. I." or "Mr. Ilitch" these days. My question is: Which Mr. Ilitch? Given the Tigers' clearly have an edict to cut the payroll, you have to wonder if it's coming from heir apparent, Christopher Ilitch. Mike Ilitch is 87 and may not be as involved with the team as he has been in the past.