The Shortcomings of Jim Leyland

I am an avid Tigers fan. I watch quite a bit of baseball between March and October. Jim Leyland is the manager in Detroit and he is well respected amongst those in baseball. I share a lot of the respect, but there are times when I'm ready to give up on the old timer. Today is one of those days.

Just a few minutes ago the Tigers lost a game they should've easily won. A 3-2 lead in the 8th inning and Jim decides this is the perfect time to debut the recently called-up rookie Bruce Rondon. Now, I know the kid has tallent, and I know that he needs to learn to pitch in late inning situations, but first he just needs to become acquainted with the big leagues. Rondon reportedly had to be talked out of quitting baseball after finding out he was not going to start the year in the majors. He has not exactly matured yet. So he gives up a run. Not bad, tie game. We go into extras. Jim sticks with Phil Coke for a second inning. Typically relievers only throw one inning, but when extra innings are looming you tend to stretch them out. But this situation played out just a few days ago and it didn't exactly go well. So you would think you might try someone else this time, but 5 runs later the Tigers have no chance and they drop the 5th of their last 6.

I think Jim Leyland has an enormous knowledge about the game of baseball. I think he does a good job in the clubhouse and keeps his team loose and in order. But he is far too loyal to his players. He is always beyond optimistic in running a struggling guy back out there to blow another opportunity or keep the slump going.

Another annoying facet of Leyland's is his coaching staff. Jim employs his friends. I get that you want guys that you trust, but when there aren't results, when those guys have no business coaching big leaguers you'd think a change would be made. Wrong. You can't blame the coaching staff really, but theres a reason its there and I don't see why Detroit is not interested in having a few better options to help out.

The Tigers have been the best team in the central for nearly half a decade, but there have been few regular seasons that they've actually played that way. A manager isn't everything, but a good one goes a long way (Joe Maddon) in getting the best out of every guy on the roster.