Suddenly In The Job Market, What's Next For Former Tigers GM Dave Dombrowski?
DETROIT (CBS DETROIT) - The Detroit Tigers have made it official, cutting ties with Dave Dombrowski after 14 years, two World Series trips, four AL Central titles, and playing in the post-season five times.
The 'why' of Dombrowski's firing is all speculation at this point; the release comes in the wake of Dombrowski overseeing a series of high-profile trades, including David Price and Yoenis Cespedes.
But the fact that the Tigers have not won a World Series title despite investing heavily in hall of fame talent has been a thorn in the side of Tigers owner Mike Ilitch.
So, what's next for Dombrowski?
While he wasn't able to produce a World Series championship for the city of Detroit - there's a lot of talk that the last place Boston Red Sox may be in the market for a new GM.
Jerry Dipoto's resignation from the Angels could be a spot for Dombrowski and the MLBTradeRumors site notes that other teams who may be seeing some movement in management include; the Blue Jays, who are rumored to be taking a long look at Orioles GM Dan Duquette as a potential replacement for retiring president Paul Beeston this offseason, and one can envision Dombrowski sliding into that role as well. Brewers GM Doug Melvin is rumored to be rising to the role of president this offseason, which would create a GM opening. Other very preliminary speculation has connected Dombrowski to both Seattle and Boston.
The Tigers released this statement, in part, when announcing the firing of Dombrowski.
"I would like to thank Dave Dombrowski for his 14 years of service," said Ilitch. "Together we've enjoyed some success, but we're still in aggressive pursuit of our ultimate goal: to bring a World Series title to Detroit and Michigan. I've decided to release Dave from his contract in order to afford him the time to pursue other career opportunities. I feel this is the right time for the Tigers to move forward under new leadership."
Ilitch making it clear that "some success" is not the goal and Dombrowski failed to reach the goal of bringing home a World Series title.
Dombrowski said his goodbyes including a goodbye to the new GM, Al Avila, who said at a news conference Tuesday afternoon, he was offered the job on Saturday afternoon by Ilitch.
It's with mixed emotions that I replace Dombrowski, said Avila but added, "I think I'm uniquely qualified for this job."
Here are some of Dombrowski's best moves from the off-season.