Detroit – The scene was remarkable. Seeing the Tigers players carry manager Jim Leyland off the field. Seeing Leyland celebrate quietly in his office with four plastic cups for G.H. Mumm champagne. Seeing Leyland fight back tears.
Seven years ago, he walked away from the Rockies so ashamed that he gave back $4 million. On Saturday night, he guided the Tigers into the American League Championship Series, with a World Series title no longer out of the question.
“This was never about me. I broke a lot of people’s hearts in Colorado. And I ashamed about that,” Leyland said. “But this wasn’t a personal mission. Whatever people think of me as a manager, I am sure they have already formed their opinion. I am just happy for these players.”
For the first time, Leyland, after a congratulatory handshake from Yankees general manager Brian Cashman, admitted that his goal was for Detroit to reach .500 this season. Even that seemed lofty for a team that had 15 losing records in the previous 18 years.
Big Head Todd
Tigers closer Todd Jones draws more attention for his opinions than his performances. That’s the side effect of writing a national column for The Sporting News. He’s not afraid to speak his mind, and this weekend has been no different.
“I am not doing too badly for someone who was cut by the Devil Rays,” Jones said with a grin.
It’s hard to reconcile this Jones with the journeyman right-hander who bounced from the Rockies to Red Sox to Reds to Rays. Jones has posted 77 saves over the past two seasons and served as a calming influence in the bullpen.
Footnotes
Tigers pitcher Jeremy Bonderman credited an unnamed source for his success. He said that someone called him with tips on how to tame the Yankees’ lineup, all of which he implemented Saturday. “I am not going to tell who it was. But he didn’t have to do it and I really appreciate it,” said Bonderman, who allowed just one run in 8 1/3 innings. … Tigers first baseman Sean Casey, making the first postseason appearance of his career, soaked in the party. He spent years of disappointment in Cincinnati and Pittsburgh. “It’s everything you hoped it would be,” Casey said.
