The Central might be the best now. But that's potentially a good thing for a team that's trying to develop a consistency day in and day out.

All the sudden, during the last six weeks, we didn't win many ballgames.

You will not find a more dedicated, hardworking and respected individual that cares more about the Tigers and his coaching staff. However, for the Tigers to reach the next level, I feel it is appropriate to make a change at this time.

If he would've hit like he hit the last six weeks of the season, we would've found a spot for him.

If he had hit the way he did the last six weeks of last season, the fit would've been there. Right now, we haven't seen it.

He's an outstanding manager, one of the best in baseball.

He's a player we like a great deal, as we've said all along, but where we are and what his situation is financially just doesn't mesh.

He's a proven winner. He's a leader. When you walk into a room, you know he's in charge. He can bring in young players and work with them, but he can also work with veteran players.

But I don't think in my own mind I had a perspective on how long it would take, but we knew it wasn't something that would happen overnight.

I'm saddened because you're dealing with somebody who has put their heart and soul into something. For the organization, he's one of the greatest players of all time. If you've met Alan Trammell and you don't like him, you should probably look at yourself.