The Detroit Tigers announced Monday that manager Alan Trammell has been relieved of his duties. Trammell, who was named the team's manager on October 9, 2002, is coming off a 71-91 season that saw the club post its 12th consecutive losing year. In three seasons as the Tigers' skipper, he compiled a 186-300 record. "The Detroit Tigers would like to thank Alan Trammell for everything he has done for the organization as manager," Tigers president, chief executive officer and general manager David Dombrowski said. "You will not find a more dedicated, hard-working and respected individual that cares more about the Tigers and his coaching staff. However, for the Tigers to reach the next level, I feel it is appropriate to make a change at this time." Despite the fact that he had his option picked up for 2006, Trammell's dismissal comes as no surprise. The team lost 29 of its final 39 games after getting within one game of the .500 mark. The 47-year-old, who spent 20 years as a player with the franchise, guided the team to a record of just 43-119 in his first year of 2003, but orchestrated a 29-win improvement over the following season, which was the second-largest increase in club history. However, the 2005 campaign did not live up to expectations in part because of injuries to a pair of the team's key off-season signings. All-Star outfielder Magglio Ordonez missed nearly three months with a sports hernia while closer Troy Percival suffered an elbow injury that could potentially be career- threatening. In addition, Detroit dealt with team distractions as it traded pitcher Ugueth Urbina to Philadelphia after a mid-season altercation arose. Trammell's three seasons, though, marked the longest managerial tenure of any Tigers skipper since Sparky Anderson. As a player, Trammell did not play with any team other than Detroit and had a lifetime .285 average with 185 homers and 1,003 RBI. A six-time All-Star and four-time Gold Glove winner at shortstop, Trammell was named MVP of the 1984 World Series. He also finished second in the 1987 American League MVP voting to George Bell. Detroit announced that Trammell has been offered a position with the organization as special assistant to the general manager.