Tolman steps down for health reasons; Alomar elevated

DETROIT:  Tim Tolman is stepping down as manager Manny Acta's bench coach for health reasons.

“”It’s not totally related to me health, but I was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease two years ago,’’ Tolman said today. “”It has caused some slowness of movement that makes it harder for me to do some of the things I need to do.’’

Tolman takes medication daily prescribed by the Cleveland Clinic to control the illness.

“”It’s time for me to step away and get a handle on this and make sure I continue to get the right treatment,’’ he said. “”The Clinic as been doing a wonderful job.’’

Tolman will remain in the organization, but his job has yet to be determined.

“”Tim has been with me since I was in the minor leagues; he’s been my mentor since then,’’ Acta said. “”When I thougtht about being a manager, I always envisioned him being with me until the end of my career. So this is not going to be easy. He was a lot of help to me.’’

First base coach Sandy Alomar will succeed Tolman, however, there has been speculation that Alomar will follow Ozzie Guillen as manager of the White Sox.

“”Sandy is very talented,’’ Acta said of his qualifications for bench coach. “”This is a step in the right direction for him and for us.''

Acta is aware of the rumors surrounding Alomar, who interviewed for the Blue Jays managerial job last year.

“”If he’s going to go there (Chicago) as manager, we would never get in the way of someone going forward in life,’’ Acta said. “”It’s going to happen eventually. He’s a hot commodity in the game. But that’s something you can’t control. If something better comes up for him, he has to do what he has to do.’’