Miami Marlins fire Ozzie Guillen

The Miami Marlins have finally come to a decision on the fate of manager Ozzie Guillen, deciding to fire the outspoken skipper after just one year at helm in south Florida, the team has announced:

"After careful consideration following the disappointment of the 2012 season, we decided to dismiss Ozzie," said [president of baseball operations Larry] Beinfest. "Our managerial search begins immediately and our hope is that a new manager, along with roster improvements, will restore a winning culture."

The Marlins made a big to-do about hiring Guillen during the 2011 offseason, electing to send two prospects to the Chicago White Sox in exchange for the manager. Big things were expected of Guillen and the new look, new stadium Marlins club in 2012, but it was not to be.

Guillen's short tenure in Miami got off to a terrible start, with comments in April about Cuban president Fidel Castro leading to a five-game suspension. Things never really got back on the right track for Guillen or the Marlins following the early-season incident, the team ultimately finishing last in the NL East.

Following the trade of closer Heath Bell earlier this week -- whom Guillen had a very public spat with throughout the season -- many speculated that the manager's job was safe for at least another year. Marlins owner Jeffery Loria thought otherwise apparently, and now he is on the hook to pay Guillen the $7.5 million he is owed over the next three seasons to not manage in Miami.

Joe Frisaro of MLB.com reports that the Marlins have already begun their search for a new manager, and that former Marlins catcher Mike Redmond and Reds pitching coach Bryan Price are in the running.