AL Central News: Managerial questions for the Tigers

With the departure of Brad Ausmus steering Detroit’s ship next season, it’s never to early to ask: who will manage the Tigers in 2018?

One internal candidate option is hitting coach Lloyd McLendon, who has previously managed the Pittsburgh Pirates and Seattle Mariners. As for managers out there with no ties to Detroit, current third base coach but former manager of the Marlins, Fredi Gonzalez would be a solid candidate for the Tigers to consider. The Cuban-born former player is known for his good rapport and skill honing with young players.

Terry Collins will be available for next season as well but it’s more likely he retires from baseball than is picked up by another team.

Allow me to throw out a wild card who really shouldn’t be a wild card because she’s beyond qualified for the job but perpetually overlooked: Kim Ng.

Here’s what other rumors and news are floating around the American League Central:

• Defensive metrics disagree on how to look at the 2017 Detroit Tigers.
• Fixing the corner infield bubble is high priority among the tasks that wait for the White Sox’ offseason.
• Help Trevor Bauer find his drone before it’s too late.
• Who will get a Qualifying Offer from the Royals?
• Who should start a Wild Card game for the Twins?
• Tigers rookies dress-up day features Elf, Santa, and Rudolph, is fantastic and hilarious.
• Chicago’s Nicky Delmonico is falling as fast as he rose.
• Corey Kluber finalizes his case for another Cy Young. Mostly because he’s Corey Kluber.
• Ned Yost has “no doubt” he is returning to Kansas City in 2018.
• Eduardo Escobar is one of the best utility players in the American League.
• This is what happened in White Sox history on September 26th, 1917.
• Shawn Morimando has been sent home early due to lack of playing time.
• What would the Royals’ season look like if you took out that disastrous April?