Tom Gage: Tigers insider

About that contract extension for Leyland ...

By not yet extending his contract, the Tigers are making Jim Leyland sing for his supper.

For his salary is more like it.

Even if such an interpretation is not their intention, that's how it's currently coming across.

Consider:

• Rays manager Joe Maddon got a three-year extension since the season began.

• Ron Washington (Rangers) and Cecil Cooper (Astros) had their options for 2010 exercised.

And Leyland waits.

He's signed only through the end of this season.

At some point, it probably will occur. The fact it hasn't, however, might eventually plant the seed that it won't.

'He's old school'

Detroit is in first place. While not a perfect team, by any means, it went into Friday's game in Pittsburgh with the third-largest lead of any first-place team in the majors.

There's more, though.

Not in the three-plus seasons Leyland, 64, has been manager has there been a stronger undercurrent of loyalty from his players.

"I think everybody on this team, hands down, would back him as their guy," Curtis Granderson said. "I couldn't see anyone else filling those shoes."

Leyland has detractors among the fans, of course. All managers do. There's even a "Fire Jim Leyland" blog spot that often features worthwhile research that has nothing to do with Leyland.

But it's about the players, and while most managers can't please all their players all the time, Leyland comes close.

It's one of the reasons the Tigers have a smooth-running clubhouse.

"Not only is he one of the main reasons I'm here, he's the best manager I've ever played for," Adam Everett said. "He's old school, but he understands this is a grind, that this is a hard game.

"At the same time, he knows we're here to win ball games, whatever it takes."

But how about Leyland's on-field tactics?

Said Everett: "He's a big reason why we're where we are. ... He's not going to get out-managed. He's always a step ahead and isn't surprised by anything the other manager does."

'By far, he's the best'

Respecting the authority of those for whom he's played, Brandon Inge has been reluctant to comment about managers. Not so about Leyland.

"I've been around a lot of managers in Detroit now, and, by far, he's the best manager I've ever played for," Inge said. "He keeps the atmosphere laid back, for one thing. But he also understands athletes.

"Here's an example: He's the only manager I've ever had who doesn't make his players go through a mandatory stretch. ... That puts the emphasis on us as grown men to get ready for a game on our own."

So, the players expect Leyland's extension to happen.

They want it to happen.

But supper apparently isn't served that easily.

In charge

How long each manager is signed:

* has 2010 option; not exercised; ** interim

Source: Cot's Baseball Contracts

He said it

"I just don't get too excited about stuff like that. People aren't working, they're losing their homes -- and we might have to play two games? Big deal." -- Jim Leyland, Tigers manager, on the possibility of being rained out Thursday in Chicago and being forced to play another day-night doubleheader against the White Sox later this season.

By the numbers

The Tigers are playing the Pirates this weekend. Did you know the Pirates have 10 retired numbers, four more than the Tigers? They are:

1: Billy Meyer

4: Ralph Kiner

8: Willie Stargell

9: Bill Mazeroski

11: Paul Waner

20: Pie Traynor

21: Roberto Clemente

33: Honus Wagner

40: Danny Murtaugh

42: Jackie Robinson

tom.gage@detnews.com