https://totallytigers.wordpress.com/2023/10/28/deeper-discussions-93/
DEEPER DISCUSSIONS.
Totally Tigers
Oh, those special assistants who work for GMs. They have become quite the controversy for many MLB teams.
Initially, their main purpose was to be mascots for their organizations. Figureheads trotted out at special events and spring training to impart words of wisdom to players and glad-hand fans who would be inspired to buy more tickets.
But then, things changed. Some ?special assistants? actually got involved in how their teams were being run. Offering advice and putting GMs in a quandary. And because of their status, they were never held accountable for offering bad advice.
Some of these teams found themselves in this uncomfortable position because of their owners who pushed these special assistants upon them. Many of them who had direct access to an owner?s ear.
Recently, stories about some special assistants who are weighing in heavily with thoughts about who should interview for manager and GM positions.
The casual fans don?t understand how the influence of much older, retired players and managers can disrupt a team and muddle the message. Especially when they haven?t been active in the game for decades and still hang onto now outdated strategies.
Several years ago, the Marlins released all of their special assistants and it was a disastrous event for the organization. Fans were very unhappy and unleashed a significant amount of bad press on the team. They were forced to bring them back.
The Detroit Tigers have had special assistants for years. All of them have had different jobs.
Al Kaline, of course, was one. He was an advisor, evaluator/coach of outfielders and mentor to players. Willie Horton is a mentor as well and remains with the team although age and health have decreased his involvement.
Al Avila brought Kirk Gibson on board with responsibilities that included infield instruction, personnel decisions and scouting. And then adding the Front Office voice to tv broadcasts. It is unclear how much of this he is doing today due to health reasons.
The former GM also brought in Lance Parrish and gave him the responsibilities of traveling throughout the minor leagues, offering instruction and writing reports based upon his observations. Given the new player development department and new layers of instructors and regional directors, it is unclear whether he is still doing this.
And then there is Alan Trammell. Tram remains very active on the field watching and coaching infielders and helping some transition from 1 position to another. He is mentioned often by current minor leaguers and their coaches who appreciate his experience and instruction.
There is Jim Leyland who was hired by Dave Dombrowski a year before he departed Detroit. At the time, Leyland said he was going to be ?very active? in his role as scout and talent evaluator.
Under Al Avila, he did much more. He told Avila who to sign (Jordy Mercer, Josh Harrison, etc.) and helped run the war room at draft time. He sat with Al at every spring training game and was often seen in the GM suite at Comerica during games, taking notes.
It is believed that he no longer does any of this and has been relegated by Scott Harris to special events and meet-and-greet events.
Finally, there is the newest special assistant, Miguel Cabrera. He has stated that he does not want to coach and his duties will be further defined going forward.
The last assistant, Mike Russell (a scout appointed by Al Avila), was removed from his position by Scott Harris.
Don?t look for the Tigers to banish any of the remaining special assistants. A very bad PR move and would be seen as a diss against some of Detroit?s most beloved members.
So what do you think about these special assistants? Is it helpful to have them from a PR standpoint? Do they bring value?
Or do they complicate how an organization is run given that they played 50 years ago? Or managed since the 1980?s?
What should be the role of special assistants to the PoBO/GM?
How should the Tigers manage their 6 special assistants going forward?
Today?s blog addresses this dilemma and allows readers to share their thoughts in more detail. And hopefully, to actively engage with others by responding to their posts and creating back-and-forth discussion threads. The more the merrier!
For this one blog only, you?ve got 6 sentences max to share your thoughts. Of course, you can also respond to other readers.
TT will supply the ammunition. One thought-provoking question. Several options provided. One hard choice to be selected. One vote.
Ready?
How should the Tigers manage their 6 special assistants going forward?
1. Make them all figureheads only.
2. Mix of figureheads and advisors.
3. Gradually phase out the position entirely.
VOTE
