“I respect that when you own the team you can run it however you like.” Thus David Dombrowski finally spoke to the media about his departure, and made it clear that it was a firing and and not a resignation or mutual parting. I imagine we haven’t heard the last of the saga yet.

Here is Jason Beck’s interview with Dave Dombrowski, and here is a look back at the major moves of the Dombrowski era.

Speaking of resignation, I’m resigned to watching a bit of a lopsided contest tonight, as the Royals send their newly-acquired ace Johnny Cueto out to face the Tigers’ newly-acquired…well, he’s newly-acquired, that’s about what we know about Matt Boyd. He got shelled (as in 14.85 ERA, 2.400 WHIP) in 2 starts with the Blue Jays, but has solid minor league stats–1.65 ERA and 0.855 WHIP in AA/AAA, where his 4-1 strikeout to walk ratio catches the eye. Considering how good Norris looked, if Boyd has promise also we may look back on the Price trade as a huge steal.

Today’s Aw, C’mon Dad, Again? Lineup:

1. Anthony Gose, CF
2. Jose Iglesias, SS
3. Ian Kinsler, 2B
4. Victor Martinez, DH
5. JD Martinez, RF
6. Nick Castellanos, 3B
7. Tyler Collins, LF
8. Jefrey Marte, 1B
9. James McCann, C

Alex Avila has yet to play during the Al Avila Era.

Well today is the first day of the Al Avila era, wasn’t expecting to be saying that. It is also a chance for Justin Verlander to try for a third straight dominant outing. If he does it will be a pretty exciting sign that we have at least one dependable starter in the rotation. I wasn’t expecting that one guy to be ol’ JV.

The Tigers have also announced that LHP Matt Boyd has been called up from Toledo and will start Wednesday’s game.

And congratulations to Med Hen Mike Hessman, who has set the record for most minor league home runs with his 433rd.

More on the Dombrowski story can be found here and here. Of note is the information that Avila was offered the job the day after the trading deadline.

Today’s Aw, C’mon Dad Lineup:

1. Rajai Davis, LF
2. Jose Iglesias, SS
3. Ian Kinsler, 2B
4. Victor Martinez, DH
5. JD Martinez, RF
6. James McCann, C
7. Nick Castellanos, 3B
8. Jefrey Marte, 1B
9. Anthony Gose, CF

Breaking news, Dave Dombrowski has been “released from his contract” as General Manager and Team President of the Tigers. This was unexpected, I figured he may be allowed to move on after the season, but not now. Al Avila is the new GM. It’s not clear yet whether this was a move initiated by Dombrowski, Illitch, or was a mutual parting.

Here are more details.

Update: Al Avila has spoken on Brad Ausmus: “He’s our manager for the rest of the season. He’s done a good job.”

He also seems to have read Jud’s comment: “You know how you go back to Little League and the dad is the coach and the son is batting fourth? That’s not gonna happen.

I made the mistake of looking at the standings this morning. I wouldn’t recommend it.

Daniel Norris gets the start today, and if he somehow throws a no-hitter, we still won’t be in the playoff hunt. So let’s all temper our enthusiasm and expectations. It’s going to be a real crummy last 57 games, but this may be that excuse you’ve been looking for to get caught up on a few TV shows. May be easier for Coleman and I to just put up one post per series. I still like checking in on what everyone is saying, but it’s hard to commit time each day to a team who looks like it doesn’t care as much as I do.

Anyway, here are some good links on Norris. One of the contributors on Bless You Boys wrote a piece about knowing Daniel Norris personally, and another broke down the three Blue Jays prospects. Fangraphs posted scouting reports on Norris, Labourt, and Boyd, as well as projected WAR through age 28.

George Sipple used the influx of players as a reason to update his list of the organization’s top 15 prospects. You can peruse it here. It’s not pretty. Especially when people are starting to wonder if Steven Moya, our #2 prospect, has peaked.

Norris pitches tomorrow…

TIGERS (numbers against Gausman)

1. Anthony Gose, CF (1-for-1)
2. Jose Iglesias, SS
3. Ian Kinsler, 2B (1-for-6, 2 K’s)
4. Victor Martinez, DH (1-for-6, double, K)
5. J.D. Martinez, RF (0-for-2, double, K)
6. James McCann, C
7. Nick Castellanos, 3B (0-for-1)
8. Alex Avila, 1B (0-for-3, K)
9. Rajai Davis, LF (0-for-2, walk, K)