Tigers GM Avila on son batting 4th: 'That ain't going to happen'
After being promoted to general manager and executive vice president of the Detroit Tigers on Tuesday, Al Avila was quickly asked about the situation with his son, Alex Avila, serving as the starting catcher on the team.
"You know how you go back to Little League, and the son always bats fourth?" Al asked reporters. "Well, that ain't going to happen."
Al steps into his new role after long-time president and general manager Dave Dombrowski was surprisingly released from his contract by owner Mike Ilitch, allowing him to pursue other opportunities with many teams interested in his services.
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"Remember, the foot is on the pedal hard," Ilitch told Al to ensure the team continues to commit themselves to winning. Al said he was offered the job Saturday and that he still remains great friends with Dombrowski before adding, "I was given the opportunity and I ran with it."
Al also assured reporters that second-year manager Brad Ausmus should have no concern with his job security for the remainder of the Tigers' current campaign.
"He's our manager for the rest of the season. He's done a good job," Al said of his manager. "Just like everything else from here on out, everything will be evaluated. And we'll make decisions moving forward."
Ausmus himself expressed his surprise of the organizational shakeup, and spoke highly of Dombrowski. Meanwhile, Al hopes he can create a similar legacy to the man he is replacing in Detroit.
"I'm committed to the Ilitches, to stay here for the rest of my career."