When the Detroit Tigers first hired Brad Ausmus, I was very happy with their choice. I felt that a young, well-educated, 15-year MLB veteran would bring insights to the job that could not be found in another retread manager who manages "by the book." I was wrong. If the Tigers are to somehow make a run for the postseason -- which would require being buyers at the trade deadline -- then replacing Ausmus also needs to be given serious consideration.
Not only has Ausmus adopted an ultra-conservative, by-the-book style, but he fails to see players struggling in their roles when their failure seems obvious to even the casual observer.