Tigers part ways with first-base coach Van Slyke

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DETROIT (AP) -- First base and outfield coach Andy Van Slyke will not be returning to the Detroit Tigers.

The team announced Friday that Van Slyke "decided to pursue other opportunities" and will not come back next season. The former Pittsburgh Pirates star had been part of Tigers manager Jim Leyland's coaching staff for four seasons.

Van Slyke played under Leyland in the Pittsburgh outfield for eight seasons that included consecutive trips to the National League Championship Series from 1990-92.

The Tigers, who surrendered the American League Central lead and title with a late-season collapse, invited back five coaches for 2010: Rafael Belliard, Jeff Jones, Rick Knapp, Gene Lamont and Lloyd McClendon.

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