Merry Ausmus, One Last Time

Dodger backup catcher Brad Ausmus will manage the team in tonight's game against the Diamondbacks, thanks to a special gift from Bigelow-tea-sipping Joe Torre:

LOS ANGELES -- He's stepping aside Sunday, but a lot of people think he'll be managing in the big leagues soon.

Although that sounds just like Joe Torre, it also sounds just like Brad Ausmus.

Ausmus, Ivy League educated at Dartmouth, will hitch on the tools of ignorance one last time when he starts the season finale for the Dodgers behind the plate, catching career game No. 1,938, seventh on the all-time list.

The club plans a pregame tribute to the former All-Star and three-time Gold Glove Award winner, but only if Ausmus can be talked out of warming up starting pitcher Ted Lilly in the bullpen, as he normally does. [...]

On almost any list of players most likely to become managers, Ausmus' name is up high. He will be at the controls of the Dodgers on Friday night -- as he was in a victory at the end of last season -- a fitting farewell gift from the outgoing manager. Torre traditionally designates a player as manager for the last game of the season, but he moved that up a few days because he wants to manage Sunday's finale.

"You knew how good Brad was as a catcher. But for me, it's all about the personality," Torre said. "From the time he stepped in the clubhouse, you could see the leadership ability. His personality is really terrific. He has the ability to manage, and I think he'll be interested in doing that. He's very bright. He reminds me of [Yankees manager Joe] Girardi, except a little less stiff, more relaxed."

Shoot, if all it takes to be a Dodger manager is to be 41 and relaxed, I may have a shot in a couple of years. In the meantime, congratulations Brad, and bring us a win tonight, please.