The detroit tigers have the talent to be in the 2017 World Series, at least they do on paper. Unfortunately, fans in Motown know all too well that the games aren’t played on paper. That being said, the rumors surrounding the last place place Tigers are getting louder by the day and the fan base is wondering if and when change is coming.

It's time for Brad Ausmus to go

When Brad Ausmus took over the Detroit Tigers in 2014, he was given the keys to a squad that was a World Series or bust team. Detroit had come off of a 2013 season that included 93 wins, an AL Central title, and a trip to the ALCS where they fell short to the eventual World Series champion Boston Red Sox.

Ausmus inherited players in their prime, including All-Stars Miguel Cabrera, Justin Verlander and Rick Porcello, not to mention one of the most feared lineups in the American League. While Detroit did make the postseason in Ausmus’ first year as skipper, they failed to win one game in the playoffs, getting swept 3-0 in the AL divisional series against the Baltimore Orioles.

Since that playoff series sweep against Baltimore, the Tigers have compiled a 192-204 record. That is unacceptable when you have a $200 million payroll.

In fairness to Ausmus, he doesn’t play the game, make errors, or strikeout in key situations. However, he will be the fall guy nevertheless. The managers and coaches always get the blame for not winning.

Whether that is right or wrong can always be debated, but that is just the way it is in sports. The Tigers have looked lifeless, disinterested, and have played with zero urgency during their current 8 game losing streak -- and that does fall on the manager.

Don’t break up the corps just yet

If the Tigers do decide to fire Ausmus, this whole “fire sale” thing has to be a farce, that is unless the Tigers' organization is content to finish in last place for the next 3 years or so.

Just to play devil’s advocate for a minute, let's say the Tigers trade or choose not to re-sign JD Martinez. Also, let’s add the real possibility they lose Justin Upton as well. Upton has an opt-out available in his current contract with the Tigers that he could exercise after the 2017 season is through. If Detroit lost Upton and Martinez, the Tigers' outfield could be one of the weakest in the American League in 2018.

Detroit should give Martinez what he deserves and make him a Tiger for life. Since coming to Detroit, JD has been a hitting machine, and this year has been no different. With players like Victor Martinez (38), Ian Kinsler (35) and Miguel Cabrera (34) starting to hit the twilight years, Martinez (29) is just hitting his stride. The next three seasons could be Martinez’ best overall, and watching him do that with another squad is the last things Tigers fans want to see.

Kinsler has one more season on his current deal, but he (along with several others) are being linked to several trade rumors as the team continues to lose. Alex Avila, who is having one of his best starts to a season in his career, is also a free agent after the 2017 season.

This team still has time to right the ship, with or without Ausmus, and it is amazing what a simple 3 or 4 game winning streak could do to build confidence. However, jumping the gun and trading some of the best players you currently have isn't the solution, and it could come back to haunt them for years to come.
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