Former Tigers GM Randy Smith joins Japanese team

Former Tigers general manager Randy Smith has accepted a position as a senior advisor for the Nippon Ham Fighters of the Pacific League.

Smith, 53, was let go in October from his job as the vice-president of player development and international scouting for the San Diego Padres.

In Detroit, Smith posted one of the worst records (398-554) as Tigers GM from 1996-2002.

In Japan, he joins a team which won the championship last year.