Tigers’ manager post complicates things for Cubs, Epstein

Sep 20, 2012; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Indians manager

(11) stands in the dugout in a game against the Minnesota Twins at Progressive Field. Cleveland won 4-3. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports

Just days after the Detroit Tigers were eliminated from the postseason by the Boston Red Sox, the team’s manager for more than the past half decade, Jim Leyland announced his resignation.

“I don’t feel it would be fair for the organization, Mr. Ilitch, the front office, the players and the coaches for me to go on. The fire has gone low.”

Leyland led the Tigers to three straight American League Central titles, and he ranks third in Tigers’ history with 700 wins. Many were surprised by his announcement, but he said he plans to remain involved with the organization in a capacity that has not yet been determined.

With another managerial vacancy – now totaling five across the thirty Major League teams – the Cubs could see increased competition for some of the top candidates for the job, including Manny Acta, A.J. Hinch, Torey Lovullo, Dave Martinez and Rick Renteria.

According to Martinez, his interview with Chicago went “really well”, according to reports. He went on to say the he expected to hear from the Cubs “soon.”

No further interviews have been scheduled, according to the latest reports from Chicago media. That being said, no deadline has been set apart from the November 11 deadline Epstein mentioned at the press conference announcing the dismissal of former manager Dale Sveum.

“It’s hard to hire managers. It’s clear Dale did some very productive things in two years. It’s clear that we’re transitioning from a phase where we’re just acquiring young talent, most of whom we haven’t seen up here yet, to a phase where that talent will start to come up in the next few years.”