The answers to questions regarding the top five surprising teams in the early going on the season: Q: What is fueling the Tigers' first-place run in the American League Central? A: Pitching and defense. "This is about throwing the ball over the plate and catching it,'' Tigers manager Ron Gardenhire said to the Detroit Free Press. "But we can't get too high on this stuff. There's a long way to go.'' The Tigers get a big test starting tonight when they play Cleveland in a series they'll...

The Nationals began interviewing candidates for their managerial opening days after general manager Mike Rizzo relieved Matt Williams of his duties on Oct. 5. Since then, seven different candidates are known to have met with Rizzo and members of the Nationals brass about leading a roster believed to still be a World Series contender in 2016. Here is a look at each candidate and their chances of securing the Nationals job: 1. Dusty Baker, veteran manager: The former three-time National League...

Nationals general manager Mike Rizzo's affinity for the Diamondbacks organization surfaced again yesterday during his managerial search. Rizzo, Arizona's director of scouting from 2000 to 2006, interviewed current Diamondbacks third base coach Andy Green on Tuesday, according to a report from FOXSports.com. Recently dismissed manager Matt Williams also landed the job in 2013 after coaching third with Arizona. And Rizzo recently interviewed Phil Nevin, the manager for the Diamondbacks'...

Nationals general manager Mike Rizzo will interview Ron Gardenhire today in his search for the team's new skipper, according to a report from MLB.com. Gardenhire led the Twins to six American League Central titles during his 13 years as manager. He compiled a 1,068-1,039 record over his tenure, but was dismissed in 2014 following four straight seasons of 90-plus losses. Gardenhire was drafted by the Mets in 1979 and played parts of five seasons in New York between 1981-1985 before injuries cut...

It appears that Nationals general manager Mike Rizzo is focusing his attention on a few veteran managers in his next wave of interviews for the Nats' vacancy. "We feel that where we're at in our timetable of winning a championship, we certainly would lean toward someone that has some type of managerial experience, especially at the major league level," Rizzo said last week. "But, again, we're going to be open-minded and look for the best candidate that we can that allows us to win a...