Detroit Tigers: 5 Managerial Candidates for 2016

Mar 10, 2014; Jupiter, FL, USA; St. Louis Cardinals manager Mike Matheny (22) and Detroit Tigers manager Brad Ausmus (7) chat with former Tigers manager Jim Leyland before the game at Roger Dean Stadium. The Tigers defeated the Cardinals 17-5. Mandatory Credit: Scott Rovak-USA TODAY Sports

The Jim Leyland-era with the Detroit Tigers was always tinged with polarization. You either loved or hated Jimmy. That has not been the case with the Brad Ausmus era.

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Although you might think a lack of polarization among a fan base could be a good thing because most fans are of the same mind. Perhaps it would be, if everyone loved Ausmus, but the second half of last year and all of this year has plainly shown that a vast majority of Tigers’ fans do not like Ausmus and want him gone ASAP.

It may happen. It may not happen. On one hand, you have to believe that Al Avila wants to make his mark as the new general manager of the Detroit Tigers by bringing him his own manager. On the other hand, he stated that he and former GM Dave Dombrowski were lock-step on all the decisions for personnel on this franchise during their years here, meaning Avila was likely on board–or at least pretended to be on board–in bringing in a rookie manager to guide a World Series contending team.

If I had to predict–and since I’m a blogger, it’s kinda my job–I would say there will be a new manager in Detroit in 2016.

So who will it be? There is no home run candidate lingering out there like Terry Francona a few years back (although he hasn’t worked out like Cleveland had hoped in nearly two years), but there are several intriguing names.

One name to keep in mind is Mike Scioscia. He has posted a 1394-1160 (.546) record with the Angels since 2000, winning it all in 2002 and heading to the playoffs in seven seasons, yet his team has underachieved in recent years considering all their talent. Over the past six seasons, Scioscia’s teams have gone to just one postseason, last year, where they were swept in the first round.

They are on the fringes of the AL Wild-Card and should they miss out, I would not be surprised to see the Angels make a change at manager.

Just because it hasn’t worked in Anaheim lately doesn’t mean it can’t work here.

But he is probably not going to be available, so let’s take a look at five that likely will be.

Next: Omar Vizquel