Chris Iott of Mlive.com got a few pieces of noteworthy items from Tigers manager Jim Leyland following their 15-5 loss to to the Texas Rangers in Game 6 of the ALCS.
- What was thought to be a weakness in the infield for the Tigers ended up turning into a big strength both at the plate and in the field. Iott writes that Leyland believes shortstop Jhonny Peralta should be a candidate to win the gold glove this year. Peralta made only 7 errors at the position this year and finished with a .988 fielding percentage in 145 games at shortstop. Only J.J. Hardy of the Baltimore Orioles finished with a higher fielding percentage at .990.
- Iott also writes that Leyland misses Joel Zumaya who delivered to game ball to the mound prior to Game 3 of the ALCS. “I think he’s still in Detroit at Comerica Park waving to try to get an ovation, but I’m not really sure,” Leyland said with a grin. “His pants were falling off his (rear), a tattoo everywhere but on the inside of his nose. That’s my man.” “I’d like to have a healthy Zumaya right now,” Leyland said Saturday prior to Game 6 of the American League Championship Series. Joel Zumaya is eligible for free agency after at the conclusion of the MLB season. He is currently pitching for the Tigers in the Florida Instructional League and would love to remain with Detroit.
- Finally Leyland added that he was extremely proud of the effort his team gave despite being riddled with injuries. “I managed a team that won a World Series,” Leyland said, “and I don’t think I’ve ever been prouder of a team than I am of this team. I mean that sincerely. They gave everything they had. They gave everything they had.”
In other Tigers news…
- David Mayo of The Grand Rapids writes that the Tigers won’t have too many issues to address this offseason. Mayo figures that a left-handed starter and second baseman are probably at the top of Detroit priority list. Furthermore the Tigers figure to have around $23MM coming off the books in Magglio Ordonez and Carlos Guillen.
- Tigers assistant GM Al Avila has been mentioned as a GM candidate around the league. However ESPN’s Jerry Crasnick says it’s probably a long shot (all four Twitter links). “I’m very happy here,” said Avila, who recently signed a four-year extension. “I have a great relationship with the ownership, and I’ve worked for [Dave Dombrowski] for 20 years.” Danny Knobler of CBSSports.com writes that Avila’s contract prohibits him from talking to any other teams about a GM position.
Ref: MLBTradeRumors.com, Twitter, Grand Rapids Press, Mlive.com,