I will say he's a nice guy.

People don't come to your games to see your manager. I can understand why some people will feel that this was based on Alan's popularity here. But really, we could not afford to make this decision based on that, because we need to right this ship.

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.

I don't have any steadfast rule. I think it's more of a generality. I think in Mike's case, he's a guy who expressed a desire to have a multiyear deal. Based upon his past performance, we were open-minded to it.

We're extremely pleased to have a person of his makeup and his ability to bolster the bullpen.

We won a world championship with some high-maintenance ballplayers and he handled Barry Bonds (in Pittsburgh).