It certainly isn’t a surprise but the Tiger organization has extended Jim Leyland’s contract through 2009. Dave Dombrowski had initially wanted to sign Leyland to a long-term contract but this wasn’t something Jim was interested in. It is clear from Dombrowski’s statements that they anticipate a tenure longer than through 2009:

“We are very happy with the outstanding job he has done and with the leadership he provides our organization. We look forward to Jim managing the Tigers for a long time.”

I guess that is if you consider 2 more years a long time. I don’t.

Congrats Jim, smoke one on me.