INSIDER
Fresh off suspension, Hinch takes over as Tigers manager
Read full article: Fresh off suspension, Hinch takes over as Tigers managerFILE - In this Oct. 15, 2019, file photo, Houston Astros manager AJ Hinch (14) reaches for a ball before Game 3 of baseball's American League Championship Series against the New York Yankees in New York. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum, File)DETROIT – As he waited out his suspension this year, AJ Hinch knew he wanted to return to baseball. It was Detroit general manager Al Avila, telling Hinch to get on a plane. In January, Major League Baseball suspended Hinch and Astros GM Jeff Luhnow for the season and the Astros immediately fired both. Hinch is 570-452 as a major league manager.
LEADING OFF: Marlins, Pads advance, all Division Series set
Read full article: LEADING OFF: Marlins, Pads advance, all Division Series setSan Diego Padres pose for a photo after defeating the St. Louis Cardinals 4-0 in Game 3 of a National League wild-card baseball series Friday, Oct. 2, 2020, in San Diego. First-year San Diego manager Jayce Tingler used nine pitchers, the most employed in a nine-inning shutout in any big league game since 1901. Next up is the Division Series, and all four matchups are intradivision -- AL West vs. NL West and AL East vs. NL East. New York hasn’t visited the San Diego ballpark since 2016. Detroit general manager Al Avila says the team isn’t ruling out the possibility of hiring Hinch or Cora for its managerial vacancy.
Avila says Tigers aren't ruling out Hinch, Cora for manager
Read full article: Avila says Tigers aren't ruling out Hinch, Cora for managerDETROIT – Tigers general manager Al Avila said Friday that Detroit is not ruling out the possibility of hiring A.J. Hinch or Alex Cora for its manager vacancy. Hinch and Cora were suspended through the 2020 postseason for their roles in the Houston Astros' sign-stealing scandal. The Astros fired Hinch and general manager Jeff Luhnow on Jan. 13 and Cora lost his job managing the Boston Red Sox the following day.. Cora spent the 2017 season as bench coach on Hinch's staff with Houston. Avila said it is important that the next manager be able to help with talent evaluation, since there are important decisions to make throughout the roster.
Tigers manager Gardenhire announces immediate retirement
Read full article: Tigers manager Gardenhire announces immediate retirementA Comerica Park videoboard displays a thank you message to Detroit Tigers manager Ron Gardenhire, who announced his retirement prior to a baseball game against the Cleveland Indians, Saturday, Sept. 19, 2020, in Detroit. This year was taking more of a toll on the 62-year-old Detroit Tigers manager than he'd necessarily let on. General manager Al Avila said he made a routine visit to Gardenhire’s office Saturday, when the manager told him about the decision. “On behalf of all of us with the Detroit Tigers, congratulations to Ron Gardenhire on a tremendous managerial career,” Tigers CEO Christopher Ilitch said in a statement. “Always, you'll miss baseball,” Gardenhire said.
Baseball scrambles back into action amid lingering concerns
Read full article: Baseball scrambles back into action amid lingering concernsAs baseball scrambles to start an abbreviated season, the prevailing mood is one of nervous excitement. All of these issues could become moot if there's a major outbreak of the virus within baseball. "Ive seen the reports in Houston how COVIDs going up so Im going to have to really be careful. It will be unusual following new safety protocols that are at times incompatible with human nature on the baseball field. Theyre very focused on that and the staff thats going to be associated with the games once we fire up, Crane said.
Torkelson, Martin, Lacy lead list of top MLB draft prospects
Read full article: Torkelson, Martin, Lacy lead list of top MLB draft prospects(AP Photo/Ben McKeown, File)NEW YORK Major League Baseball's amateur draft begins Wednesday night with the first of a pandemic-shortened five rounds. (TENNESSEE) (6-2, 195, 18)Lefty-hitting Hassell is considered by many to be the best pure hitter among high school players. 1 overall, which would make him the first college first baseman to lead off a draft. Undrafted in high school, Torkelson has power to all fields with a powerful right-handed swing and a great eye and patience at the plate. (FLORIDA) (6-4, 190, 18)Arguably the top overall high school player in the draft, with tantalizing five-tools talent.