Brad Ausmus will take over the reigns of the Detroit Tigers starting in 2014 and former manager Jim Leyland says he will not undermine his authority.
“Brad Ausmus is his own man, he has his own ideas, and that’s exactly the way it should be,” Leyland said to the Detroit Free Press. “I’m not going to stick my nose in anything. If Dave Dombrowski asks me about a player, I’ll give him my opinion.”
Leyland walked away from on field duties with the Tigers after the 2013 season and will now serve as a special assistant to Dombrowski.
“Really, there’s no need for me to be there,” Leyland said. “Brad is going to set the tone for his style of play as a manager and run his camp accordingly. I’m coming later when the games start, at Dave’s request, to kind of evaluate the team. But contrary to what some people think, I’m not going to be around the clubhouse or in Brad Ausmus’ hair in any way, shape or form. This is his baby, and I don’t want anyone to get the idea that I’m going to have a lot of say, because I’m not.”
In eight seasons under Leyland the Tigers were 700-597 with two trips to the World Series.
