They were sooooooo close.  Missed winning the World Series by 'that much.'

So, there's always next year.  And, next year...well...there may be some changes.  Okay, the Tigers need some, but the manager and coaches won't be changing.

Next year Jim Leyland will begin his eighth season managing the Detroit Tigers because the club extended his contract today.

Our news partner, WZZM TV13 reports that Leyland has compiled a 1,676-1,659 record during his 21-season managerial career. Leyland's 1,676 wins are tops among all active major league managers and 15th-most in major league history.  His record with the Tigers is  607-528 during his seven seasons.

"Jim is as fine a manager as there is in baseball, he has done a fantastic job for the organization, and we are thrilled to have him back managing the Tigers in 2013," Tigers president and general manager David Dombrowski said in a released statement. "I have a tremendous amount of respect for Jim and his ability to lead our club on the field. I am confident that you will not find a harder working or better prepared manager in the game."

"Detroit is a tremendous baseball town, and I couldn't dream of a better place to manage," Leyland said in the statement. "The support of Mr. Ilitch and Dave is second to none and gives this club an opportunity to win every year. Tigers fans and the people of Michigan have supported us so well during my time here, I can't even begin to express how much that means to me."

Additionally, the Tigers have invited all six members of Leyland's coaching staff to return for the 2013 season. Toby Harrah also has been invited back to serve as the club's assistant hitting coach, a role he performed over the last half of the 2012 season.

After the World Series, the Tigers may want to consider another hitting coach.  Couldn't hurt!

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