When the Marlins announced that Mike Redmond had been fired, it was somewhat surprising, but given Jeffery Loria's history as a knee-jerk reaction owner, it wasn't entirely out of the blue. However their decision to install who was then the current GM, Dan Jennings, as their new manager shocked and confused most everyone in baseball. Even one of their players thought it was a hoax.
"When I got word of it, I was surprised. Stanton actually called me and told me, and I thought he was playing. But he was serious."
Since installing Jennings as manager, the Marlins have gone 38-57, and sit 19.5 games back of first place. Unfortunately for Miami, 2015, a year in which they were supposed to contend, has turned into another lost season, and installing an interim manager may have done even more damage.
Once Redmond had been let go, the Marlins could have used the remainder of the season to give their hypothetical manager of the future time to earn the trust of his players. Instead they went with Jennings, who was clearly only there on an interim basis. But according to Ken Rosenthal, they appear to be nearing a return to a more traditional set up.
Sources: #Marlins will ask Jennings to step down as manager and resume role as GM. If Jennings agrees, change would occur at end of season.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) September 2, 2015
#Marlins then would pursue experienced manager for 2016, sources say. Story coming on http://t.co/5hfjrOXnfv.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) September 2, 2015
It's unclear who the Marlins might target, but based off of Rosenthal's tweet, it would seem to be someone with previous managerial experience. Back in May, Chris Cotillo listed nine potential replacements for Redmond, some of whom still make sense. Ron Washington, Ron Roenicke, Bo Porter, Dusty Baker, and even former Marlins manager Ozzie Guillen could all come up in the rumor mill as Miami begins this process.
More information will be added to this story as it becomes available.