Trammell Is Hired to Manage Tigers

The Detroit Tigers hired former star shortstop Alan Trammell as manager Wednesday, hoping he can turn around a franchise that has endured nine consecutive losing seasons.

Detroit was 55-106 last season--tying Tampa Bay for the worst record in the majors--and hasn’t had a winning record since 1993, during the latter part of Trammell’s stellar career as a shortstop in Detroit.

“This is a day that I’m very proud of,” Trammell said. “There’s certain areas that I know we can be better on quickly, that’s my goal, that’s my job.”

Trammell, 44, replaces Luis Pujols, who was fired Sept. 30. Pujols lost 100 games after replacing Phil Garner, who was fired in April after an 0-6 start.

Trammell, Detroit’s fifth manager since Sparky Anderson’s 17-season tenure ended in 1995, was San Diego’s first base coach the last three seasons.

Trammell batted .285 with 185 homers and 1,003 runs batted in as Detroit’s shortstop from 1977-96.

The six-time All-Star won four gold gloves and was the World Series most valuable player in 1984 when the Tigers won their fourth and last championship.

*

Cleveland Indian second baseman Ricky Gutierrez, 32, underwent neck surgery that doctors hope will allow him to play again.

Despite suffering what was later diagnosed as a career-threatening injury in the first week of the season while diving for a grounder, Gutierrez didn’t tell the Indians he was hurt until August. He spent the final 1 1/2 months on the disabled list.

The Indians said Gutierrez had the surgery Monday at Fort Lauderdale, Fla.

*

Pat Gillick, 65, said he will return next season as Seattle’s executive vice president and general manager, ending speculation that he planned to retire or move to another team.