The Major League Baseball offseason won't start until after the World Series, but there are already a number of managerial openings around the league with the Detroit Tigers, Washington Nationals, Seattle Mariners and Chicago Cubs and some names have already started floating out, including Brad Ausmus, Kirk Gibson and Lloyd McClendon as well as Tony Pena.
According to ESPN.com, Ausmus, McClendon and Gibson are all candidates for the Tigers, who lost Jim Leyland after he decided to step down following the American League Championship Series against the Red Sox. McClendon currently is the hitting coach for the Tigers so he may have an edge, while Ausmus previously played for the Tigers and Gibson is still currently with the Diamondbacks, so he may not get the chance. Leyland had McClendon there for his career in Detroit, making him an interesting option as well.
Ausmus has also been mentioned as a possibility for the Washington Nationals and he also could be a candidate for the Chicago Cubs job. Gibson also previously played for the tigers and Ausmus is getting some heat as a serious candidate after being mentioned for jobs last year. Leyland decided to step down after three straight AL Central title and two World Series appearances and he leaves after a strong run with the tigers and now he will take another role in the organization.
The Cincinnati Reds was another opening, but the team decided to fill it with Brian Price their pitching coach after Dusty Baker was let go. Price got a three year deal with the team after Baker took the team to the playoffs three times and winning over 90 games the past three seasons. Price got a deal that could be similar to some of the other managers looking to get hired and the Mariners are looking yet again for a manager after Eric Wedge decided not to return.
The Cubs wanted Joe Girardi but he stayed with the Yankees and now Ausmus looks like he could be a hot candidate heading into the offseason. The Tigers have the most desirable opening left with Miguel Cabrera, Justin Verlander and Prince Fielder on the roster.
