The Detroit Tigers are compiling a list of names to consider for their managerial opening, and it includes two former World Series-winning managers caught up in the Houston Astros sign-sealing scandal.
General manager Al Avila confirmed Friday that both Alex Cora and A.J. Hinch will receive consideration. Both were fired in January — Cora from the Boston Red Sox and Hinch from the Astros — after MLB’s investigation into Houston’s tactics en route to the 2017 World Series championship.
The two men were suspended for the 2020 season and are eligible for reinstatement once the World Series is over. Hinch was the manager and Cora the bench coach of the 2017 Houston team.
“I have long list of names. We will do our research and whittle it down and then start the interview process,” Avila said.
The Tigers are seeking a replacement for Ron Gardenhire, who retired on Sept. 19, saying at age 62 it was time to focus on his health.
“We are not in a rush,” Avila said. “We’re going to take our time with it and check everything out.”
While Avila said “the cheating scandal obviously is not a good thing,” no one has been ruled out. He didn’t confirm any other candidates on this list.
The Detroit News said those believed to be under consideration include interim manager Lloyd McClendon, former Miami Marlins and Atlanta Braves manager Fredi Gonzalez, and Kansas City Royals coaches Vance Wilson and Pedro Grifol.
“I have guys who have managerial experience and guys with no managerial experience but have coaching experience,” Avila said. “I’m not predicting anything but you could probably eliminate a guy that played but had absolutely no coaching experience, no managerial experience — just a guy who goes from playing to being a major league manager.
“I’m probably not going to go that way, but everything else is in play.”
How long Cora will be available remains to be seen. Speculation in Boston is swirling that Cora will return to the Red Sox, who he led to the World Series title in 2018.
At the conclusion of the regular season, the Red Sox released Ron Roenicke, who was hired to take Cora’s place this spring. Boston was 24-36 on the shortened season, and its .400 winning percentage was slightly higher than Detroit’s .397 (23-35).
