Earlier this week rumors suggested Miami Marlins manager Mike Redmond was on the hot seat after the team started the 2015 MLB season 3-11 and were in the middle of a five game losing streak. Redmond may have to watch his back because a viable veteran candidate has emerged and could potentially replace him.
Ron Gardenhire, who was fired by the Minnesota Twins this past offseason, wants to manage again, according to FOX Sports' Ken Rosenthal. The 57-year-old is still being paid because he had one year left on his contract with the Twins before he was dismissed, so he isn't in a rush to get back on the field.
"However, Gardenhire recently hired an agent, John Boggs, to monitor possible managerial openings, saying that he is willing to consider virtually any position," Rosenthal writes.
Gardenhire may not have to wait much longer, especially if a couple of teams continue losing at their current rate.
"At least two jobs could open sooner rather than later, though the Marlins eased the pressure on Mike Redmond by routing the Phillies in their last two games, and the Brewers say they do not intend to act on Ron Roenicke anytime soon," Rosenthal adds.
In 13 seasons with Minnesota, Gardenhire amassed a 1,068-1,039 record with six AL Central division titles ('02, '03, '04, '06, '09, '10) and won AL Manager of the Year in 2010. However, his 6-21 record in the postseason has plagued him, especially since he's only gotten past the first round of the MLB playoffs once.
That wouldn't matter much to the Marlins, though, being that the club hasn't made the postseason since their 2003 World Series title run. They've had seven managers since then and have only finished better than third in the NL East once over that span. It was believed Miami was considering New York Mets Triple-A manager Wally Backman as a potential successor to Redmond, but Rosenthal refuted that rumor.
However, he did note that owner "[Jeffrey] Loria is actively reviewing" and "Redmond remains under scrutiny."
As for the Brewers, they have the worst record (3-13) in the MLB and it's hard to believe Roenicke will last much longer if they keep falling behind in the competitive NL Central, even though team owner Mark Attanasio said the manager is not on the hot seat.
All the while, Gardenhire is relaxing away from the game ... for now.
"I'm going to take it easy. If someone is interested in me as we go along, I'll listen to just about anything. I owe that to baseball."
