Well, how is that for stunning news, the Detroit Tigers have “relieved” Dave Dombrowski of his duties as the team’s president and GM. His former assistant, Al Avila, has been brought in to replace him.
The Tigers formally announced the move at a 5 p.m. press conference which was only attended by Avila, not Mike Ilitch or Dave Dombrowski.
According to one report, the parting was mutual, though you’d expect DD or a member of ownership, whether it is Mike or one of his sons, to attend the press conference.
One executive: Dave Dombrowski's departure from #Tigers was a mutual parting of the ways between he and owner Mike Ilitch. No hard feelings
— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) August 4, 2015
In a statement from owner Mike Ilitch, he said that the team “decided to release Dave from his contract to afford him the time to pursue other career opportunities.”
Meaning, either Dombrowski did not want to come back at the end of this year (which was the reason he did not have a contract extension) or ownership was not entirely happy with the team selling.