Detroit Tigers: 5 Managerial Candidates for 2016

Jun 21, 2015; Atlanta, GA, USA; The hat of New York Mets relief pitcher Alex Torres (54) shown in the dugout against the Atlanta Braves during the eighth inning at Turner Field. The Braves defeated the Mets 1-0. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

Wally Backman

A World Series champion with the 1986 New York Mets, Wally Backman has been honing his craft as the manager of the Mets’ top affiliate for a number of seasons.

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He, unlike Ausmus, has paid his dues since retiring, moving up the managerial ranks after first being the head man of the Chicago White Sox Single-A club, the Birmingham Barons in 2002.

He has experienced a lot of success at his stops, including taking the Las Vegas 51s to the playoffs the last two seasons.

The 55-year old is considered a players’ manager and has an old school style that may sit well with the Leyland-backers in the Detroit Tigers clubhouse and the Comerica Park stands.

Backman is considered one of the up and coming managers in the games and has drawn some interest from the Miami Marlins and Washington Nationals, among others.

Next: Ron Gardenhire