With AJ Hinch inking a new deal to remain the Detroit Tigers’ manager this offseason, the hope is that Tigers fans don’t have to go through the emotions of a managerial search anytime soon. There is still some debate over how Hinch handled Tarik Skubal in the decisive Game 5 against the Seattle Mariners in the ALDS, but he remains one of the more respected managers in all of baseball.
In other words, be grateful that you’re not an Angels fan. The Angels introduced former Major League catcher Kurt Suzuki as their manager earlier this week, and the focus was on anything but Suzuki’s qualifications as a Major League manager.
Looking beyond the fact that Suzuki was coaching youth baseball before getting the call from the Angels, his contract already sets him up with a lame-duck status. Suzuki has a one-year deal with options attached, but Angels’ general manager Perry Minasian didn’t exactly give the impression that the former Major Leaguer has a long leash.
Angels’ Kurt Suzuki hire has Tigers fans reliving a frustrating chapter
The feeling that Angels fans may be similar to what Tigers fans were feeling entering the 2014 season. On the heels of Jim Leyland retiring after the Tigers fell just short of reaching the World Series in 2013, Detroit turned to a former Major League catcher with no managerial experience: Brad Ausmus.
To Ausmus’ credit, he did have immediate success, winning the American League Central in his first year while managing the Tigers to a 90-72 record. It was short-lived, however, as the Tigers were swept in the ALDS by the Baltimore Orioles. It was the only time that the Tigers would reach the playoffs under Ausmus, finishing in last place in two of the following three seasons after 2014. In other words, maybe Ausmus’ immediate success was tied to the contention window established during Leyland’s memorable run closing.
Ironically, the Angels could be repeating a mistake they already made — Los Angeles hired Ausmus to be their manager in 2019 after he was without a job for two years. It was a one-and-done stint for Ausmus with the Angels, finishing with a record of 72-90.
Maybe there is a chance that Suzuki defies logic and actually turns around the Angels. It’s not likely, though, considering the team may be more focused on the status of their air conditioning.