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With rumors swirling about his career plans after the playoffs conclude, Tigers manager Jim Leyland is informing people close to the game that he hopes to return in 2013, as reported by Danny Knobler of CBSSports.com.
Many have been of the belief that the 67-year-old Leyland will opt to ride out into the sunset if the Tigers do happen to end up winning the World Series, but that does not appear to be the case according to the report. Leyland instead appears eager to lead a team that figures to once again be among the best in the American League, and for good reason. With sluggers Miguel Cabrera and Prince Fielder each locked up long-term alongside power pitching arms Justin Verlander and Max Scherzer, Leyland could theoretically be managing his best team to-date in 2013.
Though fans have seemingly been calling for his dismissal during much of his tenure in Detroit for various reasons, Leyland remains one of the most successful and respected managers in the sport. Anything less than a World Series berth this fall probably would have enticed the future Hall of Famer to return anyway, but it should be comforting for Tigers fans to hear that Leyland is eager to return next spring.