Tigers ink manager Leyland to two-year extension

The Detroit Tigers inked manager Jim Leyland to a two-year contract extension on Friday that will take him through the 2011 season.

"It's extremely well deserved," Tigers president and general manager Dave Dombrowski said.

Leyland, 64, is in his fourth season with Detroit and was in the final year of his current contract.

"I'm thrilled they want me to continue," Leyland said. "I was thrilled they asked me to come here in the first place."

In 2006, Leyland guided the Tigers to the American League pennant and was named American League Manager of the Year.

The Tigers, who finished a disappointing 74-88 last year, are currently leading the American League Central division.

"I just think it was the right time to step forward and get this done," Dombrowski said of the decision to make the move now.