Kirk Gibson would be foolish to not throw his name into the mix for the Detroit Tigers managerial job. The Diamondbacks would be equally guilty if they don’t let Gibson interview for the position. I don’t believe his job is on solid/secure footing here in Arizona and it might be best for both sides to move on.
Three coaches have left off Gibbys staff from this past disappointing season(Matt Williams could be headed out of town too). The Diamondbacks were up 2.5 in the West on July 4th, they finished 11-games back of the Dodgers. There were whispers that Gibson needed to do a better job of dealing with younger players. Let’s not forget that General Manager Kevin Towers inherited Gibby as his manager. Add it up, he’s on the managerial hot seat to start next season. No other way to put it.
USA Todays Bob Nightengale put on his Twitter account Monday that the Diamondbacks wouldn’t stand in Gibsons way if he wanted to interview for the Tigers opening. Derrick Hall, Diamondbacks President, told FOX Sports Arizona on Monday that “Kirk Gibson is where he wants to be, and he is where we want him to be.” I could easily see a scenario where the Diamondbacks are holding a press conference that would sound something like this. “Gibby came to us with an opportunity to return to where he grew up and to manage the team that he is so closely associated with, how could we stand in his way? We are sad to see him go and wish him well”.
There is the matter of one year left on his contract along with options that haven’t been picked up yet for 2015 and 2016. Would the Tigers be willing to give up compensation in order to secure Gibson? That is a small matter that can be worked through. This is a unique set of circumstances, almost the perfect storm. Hey Gibby-go chase the job!
Brad Cesmat
